Co-benefits of climate mitigation action for health in the WHO European Region: policy brief

Summary

Climate change is a growing threat to public health, with the WHO European Region experiencing the fastest temperature increase globally. At the same time, climate action offers major opportunities to improve public health. Ambitious climate mitigation actions (measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions) across all sectors can deliver significant near-term health benefits. This brief calls for stronger advocacy and support for policies that both address climate change and improve the health and well-being of people across Europe.

This policy brief details the health benefits of actions across energy, transport, housing, and food and agriculture, as well as opportunities for climate and health action in cities, drawing on evidence from the Pathfinder Initiative. The brief highlights the importance of a just transition to net zero in the WHO European region and globally, and the need for multisectoral, systems approaches that prioritise health and equity. 

The brief also includes case studies of implemented actions including: transitioning to renewable energy sources in Romania, sustainable school meals in Sweden, London’s low emission zone and ultra-low emission zone, and the Barcelona ‘superblock’ model. 

Recommendations

The brief notes that while specific policy interventions and priorities will depend on the national and local context, all countries should implement a combination of the actions outlined below to move towards a healthy, net-zero future. 

1. Phase out fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which benefit health by reducing air pollution. 
2. Implement policies to promote healthy, sustainable low greenhouse gas emission diets, high in plant-based foods and low in animal products (particularly red and processed meats and dairy products), and promote sustainable agricultural practices. 
3. Implement policies to promote active travel and use of public transport, while reducing use of private cars. Potential actions in the transport sector include incentives (such as free bus passes and bicycle maps), improved infrastructure (bicycle lanes) and sanctions (taxation, congestion charges and restrictions). 
4. Improve energy efficiency in buildings and homes, ensuring adequate ventilation to avoid increasing indoor air pollution. 
5. Integrate climate mitigation and adaptation actions, including through nature-based solutions such as green urban infrastructure to reduce the impacts of environmental change and benefit human health.

Conclusions

The brief highlights that a just transition to net zero in the WHO European Region requires ambitious, coordinated action that places health and equity at the centre of policy-making. Governments should integrate health co-benefits into all climate policies, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term low-emission development strategies (LT-LEDS), as well as monitoring and evaluating the impact of actions on health and equity. Clear communication of the health and economic benefits of climate mitgation actions, and cross-sectoral collaboration are essential to build support and enable behaviour change. Regional cooperation and use of WHO tools and networks can help translate strong evidence on health co-benefits into effective climate action across all sectors.

Read the policy brief