‘Fair food vital for tackling health and climate change’

Professor Chris Hilson, Professor of Law at the University of Reading, comments on the findings of The EAT–Lancet Commission on healthy, sustainable, and just food systems, published this week. To arrange interviews contact the University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@reading.ac.uk

"This report gives a clear view of what healthy, sustainable eating actually looks like and what needs to change to get us there.

"When we talk about tackling climate change, most people think about switching from coal and oil to wind and solar power. But this report shows that what we eat is just as vital. Our current food systems are pushing the planet past critical thresholds: warming the climate, driving species loss, polluting water, and depleting soils.

"What makes this report different is its focus on fairness. At a time when expert advice often gets dismissed as out-of-touch, it puts people front and center. Any changes to how we grow and eat food must ensure farmers can make a decent living, everyone can afford nutritious meals, and no communities get left behind.

"This isn't about lecturing people on what they should eat. It's about building food systems that work for both people and planet."