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

Overview

Climate change is a major threat to public health globally, and the WHO European Region is experiencing the fastest increase in temperatures, which rose at an average rate of about 0.5 °C per decade between 1991 and 2021. There is widespread recognition that protection and improvement of health are one of the strongest arguments for action on climate change and sustainable development. Many policies for addressing the climate crisis also have major near-term co-benefits for health. This brief calls for increased advocacy and support for mitigation policies and actions, not only to combat climate change but also to improve the health of populations in Europe.