On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the reception session of Mr. Walter Willett, Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at the “T.C. Chan” School of Public Health of Harvard University, USA, as a foreign member of the Academy of Athens was held.

During the reception session, Mrs. Trichopoulou presented Professor Willett and afterwards he delivered his speech entitled “Is Healthy and Sustainable Nutrition possible for all?.

Speech abstract:

“Humanity experiences exponential temperature increases marked by irreversible tipping points, putting future generations at risk. At the same time, the burden of diet-related diseases is increasing in almost all countries. The EAT-Lancet Commission was established to identify food systems that could provide the global population with healthy diets produced through sustainable processes. Through a broad, bottom-up review of the major food groups, a Planetary and Healthy Diet was pointed out: one that was largely plant-based and in harmony with the traditional Mediterranean Diet. A detailed assessment using data from three large population-based studies showed that greater adherence to these dietary patterns is associated with significantly lower rates of premature death, greater reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and lower land use and water consumption. The dietary changes necessary to achieve these desired outcomes will require efforts across sectors and at all levels, both from individuals themselves and from international organizations.