Home / Health / Landmark Report Calls for Cutting Meat Intake to Save Lives and the Planet
Landmark Report Calls for Cutting Meat Intake to Save Lives and the Planet
3 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Eat-Lancet Commission recommends 3 meat portions per week
- Planetary Health Diet could prevent 15 million deaths annually
- Food production exceeding planetary boundaries, causing climate impact
According to a landmark report released by the 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission, people should eat no more than three portions of meat per week to help save the planet. The commission states that current global food systems are "exceeding planetary boundaries" and have proposed a diet primarily consisting of fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, soy, and nuts.
The report concludes that this "Planetary Health Diet" not only reduces the environmental impact of food production but also cuts the risk of premature death by 27% and could save 15 million lives globally each year from preventable diseases linked to poor diets. The commission recommends limiting red meat to one portion of up to 200g per week and capping poultry at two portions, or 400g.
Experts warn that animal farming uses more land than crop production, leading to the loss of vast swathes of rainforests. The report calls for governments to take action, such as taxing unhealthy processed foods and subsidizing fresh produce, to make healthy eating the easy choice for people.
