Call for renewed, strengthened commitment to protect people’s health from climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss

Following the elections to the European Parliament which closed last night, health groups underline the need for a renewed, strengthened commitment by EU decision-makers to protect people’s health across the bloc: 

“For over 20 years I have watched scientific evidence amass at an alarming speed on the negative impacts that a polluted environment can bring to our health. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution all impact our health. In this new policy cycle, it is time policymakers take strong and consistent action to address these issues for their constituents’ benefit. To achieve a strong Europe, we need leaders unafraid to prioritise health,” said Genon K Jensen, HEAL’s Executive Director. 

People’s lives are directly affected by the triple crisis of environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change in unprecedented and accelerating ways, threatening the health and well-being, and increasingly the survival of current and future generations.   

• A new Eurobarometer survey found that more than three-quarters of Europeans (78%) agree the environment has a direct effect on their daily life and their health. 
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the triple crisis is responsible for almost 20% of all deaths in the European region. 
• The European Environment Agency (EEA)’s first ever climate risk assessment demonstrated Europe’s multiple health risks and vulnerabilities from climate change. 

Vulnerability to health impacts is higher during childhood, pregnancy or old age, and for people living with disease. Socio-economic inequalities in EU countries, and between countries, exacerbate the triple crises’ impacts. 

Later this month, EU Heads of States are set to adopt the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 which will form the blueprint for the EU’s policies in the next five years. An informal discussion will take place on 17 June. 

HEAL urges European decision-makers to make health a top priority and strengthen climate and environmental action. Decisive measures which reflect the urgency to act against the triple crisis will contribute to protecting and promoting health and will help achieve significant healthcare cost savings. Such a health protective approach also reflects the large body of evidence demonstrating the health risks from the triple crisis. 

Read HEAL Executive Director Genon K. Jensen’s perspective on the upcoming policy cycle 

Browse HEAL EU election materials (in English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish and Polish).