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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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    Towards a greener pharmaceuticals' regulatory highway: a framework for regulators as enablers of decarbonization

    This framework provides a roadmap for how pharmaceutical regulatory systems can support innovation that reduces the climate impact of medicines for human...

    Governance and capacities for environment and health in the WHO European Region

    Environment and health governance refers to the systems, structures and processes that guide decision making and implementation of policies to reduce environmental...

    Documents

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    A preliminary long list of potential measures for tracking progress against the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health’s recommendations. 

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    Today, we are faced by unprecedented societal and environmental pressures exacerbated by climate change. Even amid overlapping crises and shifting priorities,...

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    Output report of the first hearing of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, held on 11 June 2025, which laid the foundation for shaping ambitious...

    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