Exploring the links between planetary health and human well-being.

A key highlight of the evening was the panel discussion “The Power Is on Your Plate”, where experts explored how food systems affect both people and the planet.

Paul Behrens, Associate Professor at Leiden University, emphasised that our current food system is under increasing stress and explained how this affects people and the planet.

“In the UK, it's estimated that a third of the increase in food prices is due to climate change. On top of that, we face biodiversity loss, deforestation, and many other problems caused by the current food system. A dietary shift towards a plant-rich diet in high-income countries is a huge opportunity. Our study shows it could free up a land area the size of the EU—land that could be returned to nature or used for organic farming”, said Paul.

Mark Lawrence, Professor of Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems at Deakin University, focused on the rise of ultra-processed foods and how they harm both our bodies and the environment.

“Research shows that ultra-processed foods are taking over our diets. In high-income countries, half of the energy intake now comes from ultra-processed foods—and that number is increasing. For teenagers, it's even higher”, said Mark.

Gunhild Stordalen, physician and founder of the EAT Foundation, highlighted the inequality built into the current food system and stressed that healthy, sustainable food must be made accessible to everyone.

“Over half of our calories come from just four crops, and many people can’t afford food that is healthy for them and the planet. Governments should start subsidising farmers to produce a variety of healthy crops in sustainable ways”, she said.

Gunhild added that culinary inspiration and support also are essential to shifting diets:

“We need more chefs to roll up their sleeves and teach us how to cook plant rich food. It’s slightly more complicated to make a delicious, veggie-rich dish that appeals to a teenager than to just serve meat. That can’t be underestimated—people prioritise taste and convenience.”

"Empathy with yourself and others is key to changing habits"

Maria Wolrath Söderberg discussed how her research shows that people often change their behaviour not because it’s more enjoyable, but because they are deeply concerned about the climate crisis.

“We need to build crisis awareness, like we did during the pandemic, but also acknowledge the fear people have of change. You have to give space for dissonance and for the sense of loss. It’s hard to shift to more sustainable habits, even if you know life will be better. That’s why empathy—towards yourself and others—is key to managing a transition and supporting one another”, she said.

Following the panel, Anna Wahlberg from WWF introduced One Planet Plate – a concept designed to help individuals make food choices that are both healthy and sustainable. One planet plate was available for purchase during the event.

“One Planet Plate is about making it easy to eat within the limits of our planet while enjoying nutritious, delicious food”, stated Wahlberg.

Visitors could also join a Futures Workshop and explore a range of interactive exhibitions and stations focused on sustainability. These included experiences like Zero City, a fictional zero-emissions city; The Forest, an immersive look at the future of forests and ePlanet, a Digital climate simulation game. Other stations invited participants to learn about sustainable healthcare, forest conservation, visual tools for societal change, and superfood that can combat climate change.

The event concluded three days of planetary health dialogue, following the symposium “Planetary Health – Connect the Dots. What Saves the Planet Saves Our Health”, organised by Karolinska Institutet, the Journal of Internal Medicine, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and Planetary Health Alliance Europe.

Photo: Anna Gerdén, Tekniska – National Museum of Science and Technology