Healthier environment for healthier lives: impacts of the European Green Deal on human health

Climate change and environmental degradation are recognised as key existential threats to human health. The European Green Deal aims to address these threats, and its associated polices and targets act to improve the health and well-being of citizens across Europe. Actions taken at local or regional level, particularly in
cities, are at the core of delivering the ambitions of the Green Deal. Reflecting on the types of local and regional action already taken and investigating successful examples w…

Climate change and environmental degradation are recognised as key existential threats to human health. The European Green Deal aims to address these threats, and its associated polices and targets act to improve the health and well-being of citizens across Europe. Actions taken at local or regional level, particularly in
cities, are at the core of delivering the ambitions of the Green Deal. Reflecting on the types of local and regional action already taken and investigating successful examples where improvements to the environment and health have been achieved is essential. This can allow policy makers to share best practice and take wellinformed and consistent approaches, leading to positive outcomes for the health of European citizens and ensure the aims of the Green Deal are achieved. 

This report provides an overview of the main health determinants associated with climate change, pollution and environmental degradation, and presents 10 specific case studies where measures have been put in place at the local and regional level to address these issues. From these examples, and a review of publicly available evidence, a consideration of impacts from local and regional measures on environmental determinants and health is made. Key enabling factors and lessons learned are highlighted and recommendations made for local and regional policy makers (as well as action at national and EU level) to consider when developing measures addressing environmental risks and improving public health.