Ten pathways for better health 2024-2029

Prescription for the EU policy cycle 2024-2029: healthy people on a healthy planet

With the new EU strategic agenda, and policy cycle to 2029, European Union decision-makers can choose the path to better health, by recognising the urgency to act and adopting environmental and climate policies that accelerate the necessary transformation in this decade. 

HEAL’s prescription for healthy people on a healthy planet sets out 10 demands to help policy makers get there.  Such a health protective approach reflects the concerns of Europeans, as more than four in five (84%) agree that EU legislation is necessary to protect the environment in their country. 

Our prescription is built on our mission which envisions a world that is free of health-harming chemicals, where the air we breathe and the food we eat promote health. We want a future where we have transitioned justly to a non-toxic, decarbonised, climate– resilient, and sustainable economy and way of life, ensuring current and future generations benefit from a clean environment to enjoy long, healthy lives.  

To get a summary, read our leaflet or our infographic.  

Ten pathways for better health 2024-2029

Protect the health of the most vulnerable

Pollution in the air, water, soil, food, and daily products can harm everyone, posing a particular risk to the most vulnerable.

Establish EU policies that recognise vulnerabilities and set ambitious goals to protect them, such as strict clean air standards and swift pesticide reduction deadlines. 

Recognise and act on the unhealthy connection between social inequalities and pollution

People living in poverty or facing economic hardships are at greater risk of health impacts from environmental and climate threats. 

Recognise the interlinkages between social, environmental and health determinants and act upon them to ensure a just transition. 

Invest in better health, not pollution

Public financing plays a key role in enabling the transformation towards healthy people on a healthy planet. 

End all direct and indirect taxpayer financing of activities which harm health, the environment and the climate, especially when it comes to financing of fossil fuels. 

Place health at the centre of climate action

Europe is the most vulnerable region to impacts from heat, and the health impacts from climate change are increasingly being felt. 

Adopt mitigation and adaptation measures that place health protection at the centre, resulting in significant shared health and economic benefits. 

Stop burning fossil fuels for our health

The burning of oil, coal and gas fuels climate change and harms people’s health directly through air pollution and indirectly by fuelling global heating. 

Adopt timelines and plans to end the burning of fossil fuels swiftly, and boost energy savings and renewables, without following false solutions like burning wood. 

Achieve clean air everywhere, for everyone’s health

Air pollution is one of the top risk factors for chronic disease in Europe, leading to hundreds of thousands of early deaths each year and a wide range of preventable health impacts which cost billions in health care. 

Show political leadership and drive forward science-based clean air laws, including strict clean air standards and stringent measures to cut pollution in all sectors. 

Ramp up health measures for a non-toxic environment

The health burden from hazardous chemicals is unacceptably high and keeps growing. Preventing the fast-rising rate of non-communicable diseases, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, obesity and diabetes as well as infertility and learning disorders, requires urgent improvements in EU laws. 

Swiftly restrict harmful substances such as endocrine disruptors and PFAS, which are widely used in materials such as plastics, pesticides and many everyday products. Safer alternatives are available. 

Accelerate the reform of EU chemicals law REACH to safeguard health

The landmark EU chemicals law REACH is in dire need of reform, as the pace of restricting and phasing out chemicals has been woefully slow. 

Put forward a health-protective update of the EU chemicals law REACH, truly implementing the ‘no data, no market’ principle, allowing for swifter restrictions of (groups of) substances, in order to reflect and properly manage how we are exposed to chemical mixtures. 

Step up action for a pesticide-free EU, for healthy food and healthy people

Europe’s reliance on synthetic pesticides in public- and residential areas, and agriculture has harmed people’s health and nature. 

Adopt measures to swiftly reduce exposure to hazardous pesticides, including ending pesticide use in ‘sensitive areas’. This will prevent new cancer cases, disruption of the body’s hormone system, reproductive disorders, and strengthen children’s healthy development. 

Step up on healthy mobility

Walking and cycling benefits people’s health, the climate and clean air. 

Prioritise and incentivise active mobility, especially in cities, together with a move towards accessible and affordable public transportation, as well as zero and low emission zones.