An urgent call for an EU Strategy on Climate and Health
The climate crisis demands swift action. An EU strategy to address the emerging public health risks is no longer an option; it is a necessity. This was the conclusion of EuroHealthNet’s Annual Seminar on 11 June, hosted by the Permanent Representation of Spain in the European Union in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Health.
Europe needs an integrated, multi-sectoral EU Strategy on Climate and Health now – one that coordinates EU adaptation and mitigation measures, promotes climate justice, and robustly protects the most vulnerable among us. This is essential for ensuring a competitive, prepared, and inclusive Europe.
The research evidence shows the urgency of climate action. It is time for policy action, building on the 2024 Belgian Council Conclusions, which call on the European Commission and Member States to develop a coordinated EU agenda on climate and health as part of the European Health Union.
“As the climate crisis is a cross-border threat to public health, EU coordination and policy action is required. This includes climate crisis preparedness, improving living environments, housing, transport, food, greening health systems, and climate justice.”
Caroline Costongs
Director of EuroHealthNet
Rising climate risks and public health: the alarming data
Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with the 2022 heatwave alone estimated to have caused 60,000 to 70,000 premature deaths. Increasing threats from drought, extreme heat, wildfires, air and water pollution, as well as the rise of climate-sensitive infectious diseases, all intensify pressure on health systems.
“Europe’s temperature is rising twice the global average, leading to adverse health impacts such as heat-related illness and deaths. Effective measures are urgently needed!”
Prof. Joacim Rocklöv
Co-director of the Lancet Countdown in Europe on Climate Change and Health
Critically, these health challenges are disproportionately felt by vulnerable populations – children, pregnant women, older people, migrants, outdoor workers, and vulnerable communities – exacerbating existing inequalities in health.
High-level speakers at the EuroHealthNet Seminar stressed:
“Climate action is health action. Together, we can protect lives today and build stronger, safer, healthier systems for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Antonio Parenti
Director Public health, Cancer and Health security at the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety
“Climate change and biodiversity loss are drivers for health crises and diseases. Let’s ensure countermeasures keep pace with the rising environmental threats.”
Florika Fink-Hooijer
Director General, Head of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)
EuroHealthNet’s call reinforces current global policy developments, such as the new WHO Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH), also launched this week, and the WHO Global Plan of Action on Climate Change and Health.
Next steps: From recognition to action
EuroHealthNet urges the European Commission to:
- Develop and adopt an EU Strategy on Climate and Health.
- Embed climate-health priorities across all EU policies, including in the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Child Guarantee, as well as the upcoming Affordable Housing Plan and Anti-Poverty Strategy.
- Ensure adequate EU funding for Climate and Health action in the next EU long-term budget, known as the Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034.
- Coordinate and support national, regional, and local governments in taking decisive action on climate-related health risks, with equity and resilience at the core.
Looking ahead
To prepare for the public health challenges of tomorrow, including climate change, EuroHealthNet’s Partnership met for its General Council Meeting on the two days following the Seminar, adopting EuroHealthNet’s Annual Report 2024-25 ‘United for health equity - Staying anchored in challenging times’.
