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Environment and health

    Overview

    The environment is a major determinant of health, estimated to account for almost 20% of all deaths in the WHO European Region.

    WHO response

    In 1989, concerned about the growing evidence of the impact of hazardous environments on human health, WHO/Europe initiated the first ever environment and health process, towards a broad primary prevention public health approach, and to facilitate intersectoral policy-making.

    Collaboration between different sectors is crucial to protect human health from the risks of a hazardous or contaminated environment. Through its European Centre on Environment and Health, WHO/Europe brings many players together with Member States to tackle central environment and health issues.

    Multimedia

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    Our work

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    Publications

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    Twelfth meeting of the Working Group on Health in Climate Change of the European Environment and Health Task Force: meeting report: virtual session, 30 September 2025

    On 30 September 2025, the Working Group on Health in Climate Change (HIC) of the European Environment and Health Task Force convened virtually for its...

    Regions for Health Network: catalogue of regions 2025

    This catalogue is a compilation of profiles of the regions participating in the Regions for Health Network (RHN) in 2025. The purpose of the catalogue...

    Documents

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    Thumbnail of a document

    This document summarizes key considerations for improving the uptake of evidence on climate change and health into policy and practice through strengthening...

    Thumbnail of a document

    This document summarizes key evidence relevant to the opportunities and co-benefits of addressing climate change threats to human health in the WHO European...

    Related WHO collaborating centres

    WHO collaborating centres are institutions that form an international collaborative network carrying out activities to support WHO’s programmes at all levels. They provide an opportunity for WHO to utilize their inherent expertise for the benefit of all Member States.

    View the list of related collaborating centres