A new study reveals that if the world adopted diets similar to those in India, we could dramatically cut down on environmental harm. However, the research warns that while wealthy countries would see environmental gains, poorer nations would bear the brunt of the burden as they work to improve nutrition for their populations.
Published in Environmental Research Letters, the study examines the environmental impact of adopting four popular diets, Indian, EAT-Lancet, Mediterranean, and Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs). It finds that plant-rich diets with less animal-based food, such as the Indian diet, could reduce environmental pressures—including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water consumption, and nutrient pollution—by over 20%. The EAT-Lancet and Mediterranean diets also offer some environmental benefits, while the FBDGs may actually increase pressures.
But the study, led by Joseph M. DeCesaro from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with an international team of researchers, also uncovers a concerning trade-off - low-income countries, which need to boost food intake to fight malnutrition, would see their environmental footprint grow under these same dietary shifts.
WorldFish Principal Scientist and co-author of the paper, Prof. Edward Allison said,” Our study shows a powerful but complex reality. Shifting to diets like those in India can significantly reduce environmental pressures, yet without global support, low-income countries—those least responsible for food system challenges and often grappling with malnutrition—may bear the heaviest burdens in adapting. Just as with climate and water crises, those who did the least to create the problem could face the highest costs. This research underscores the need for a food justice approach that ensures these dietary shifts benefit both people and the planet equitably.”
As COP29 approaches, this research highlights the critical climate justice issue that world leaders cannot ignore.
High-income countries, which have historically contributed most to global environmental pressures, are now in a better position to reduce their footprint by shifting to less resource-intensive foods.
While low-income countries who are already grappling with high levels of malnutrition and undernutrition risk seeing their environmental impact grow without significant support.
The study urges a fair, global approach to dietary shifts. High-income nations, as larger historical contributors to environmental pressures, should support low-income countries with resources and sustainable practices to ensure these dietary changes benefit both people and the planet equitably.
The full paper is available in Environmental Research Letters.
Notes to the Editor
Environmental pressures
In this study, “environmental pressures” refer to the impacts of food production on the planet. These include greenhouse gas emissions, land and sea disturbance, water usage, and nutrient pollution. Each diet scenario is analyzed for how it affects these pressures, showing how shifts in food choices can either increase or decrease environmental footprint.
About the Diets Analysed in the Study
Indian Diet
A diet rich in cereals, vegetables, legumes, and dairy with minimal red meat. The Indian diet is both nutritious and low-impact on the environment.
EAT-Lancet Diet
A balanced diet developed by global scientists to improve health and sustainability. It emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, with limited animal products, aiming to support both people and the planet.
Mediterranean Diet
Famous for heart health benefits, this diet includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil. Fish and poultry are common, while red meat and sweets are consumed sparingly.
Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs)
National dietary recommendations tailored to different countries. These aim to meet nutritional needs and include a mix of food groups.