Questions & Answers: Moving Beyond 20% - How reducing greenhouse gas emissions benefits people’s health in the EU

In the recently published “Analysis of options to move beyond 20% greenhouse gas emission reductions: Member State results”, the European Commission highlights the substantial health benefits that occur as side effects, or “co-benefits”, of stronger climate mitigation policies.

The aim of this question and answer review is to explain why health will benefit from higher emission reduction levels. In addition it presents the figures for the health-benefits of individual Member States, and highlights the evidence on why the Commission assessment is likely to be underestimation.

The answers make clear why especially early action on greenhouse gas emissions will create the greatest health benefits.

Last updated on 11 December 2012