Study: Nearly Half of Earth’s Population Lacks Access to Healthy Food and Fair Wages

Nearly half of the planet’s 8 billion people lack reliable access to healthy food, clean environments, or fair wages, according to a study published in The Lancet. At the same time, food production accounts for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The research involved leading experts in nutrition, environmental science, economics, agriculture, justice, and public health policy from around the world, offering the strongest scientific assessment of global food systems and labor conditions. Food systems encompass all processes and actors involved in feeding populations—from production and processing to distribution and consumption—along with related governance and policy frameworks. Greenhouse gas emissions, a major driver of climate change, stem from activities such as meat and rice production, land-use changes, and deforestation. The report highlights stark inequalities in how today’s dietary patterns impact different socioeconomic groups. Specifically, the diets of the wealthiest 30% of the global population are responsible for about 70% of total environmental pressures caused by food systems. In contrast, approximately 3.7 billion people lack access to affordable healthy diets, fair wages, and safe living conditions. Millions of children remain engaged in agricultural labor, and 32% of workers in the food sector do not earn decent wages. Women face systemic pay disparities and inadequate representation. Experts warn this crisis of inequality and environmental harm threatens both human health and planetary resilience. The study promotes the Planetary Health Diet, emphasizing minimally processed, fiber-rich plant-based foods with moderate animal product intake, linked to a 27% lower risk of premature death. Global adoption could prevent around 15 million premature deaths annually and significantly reduce risks of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers call for targeted policies to improve access to nutritious food, ensure fair wages and working conditions, and empower marginalized communities to participate meaningfully in governance.