The Taste of Sustainability: Comparing Health and Environmental Outcomes of Plant-Based and Mediterranean Diets

Food consumption is one of the major causes of climate change, resource depletion, loss of biodiversity, and other kinds of environmental impact by modern households. According to evidence, a global change in dietary habits could be the single most effective and rapid intervention to reduce anthropic pressure on the planet, especially with respect to climate change. The environmental impact of dietary choices not only affects ecosystems but also has profound implications for public health, as explored in the next section. This thesis explores the complex interplay between dietary choices, human health outcomes, and environmental sustainability, with a specific focus on the comparative benefits of plant-based and Mediterranean diets. Through a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature and empirical evidence, this research highlights the imperative to transition towards dietary patterns that can mitigate both environmental degradation and public health challenges, revealing the transformative potential of these diets in fostering sustainable and health-promoting food systems.