4th December 2025
Given that humanity has exceeded the safe planetary boundaries with respect to nitrogen and phosphorus flows, what can be done to restore a safe balance? Part of the answer lies in changing the food system – how and what food is produced and how it is distributed. Producing less meat would require less land to be dedicated to growing animal feed – both grass and grain – substantially reducing the need for nitrogen and phosphorus rich fertilisers. At the same time adapting agricultural practices such that less fertiliser is needed to grow crops, and where it is used, to ensure limited run-off onto the soil and water. And furthermore reducing food waste at all stages between field and plate.
Adopting worldwide the Eat-Lancet planetary health diet would go along way to achieving this. Will governments implement this and ensure that farmers are helped financially to make the transition?
The Green Tau 