Good health depends on clean air, a stable climate, a preserved natural environment, as well as access to adequate water, sanitation and hygiene. It also requires protection from harmful radiation, unsafe chemical management and unhealthy working conditions. A healthy environment could prevent nearly a quarter of the global disease burden.
The ongoing environmental crisis is profoundly affecting health as climate change intensifies, biodiversity declines and pollution becomes ubiquitous. The health impacts of poor environmental conditions occur not only directly but also indirectly, through effects on food production, migration, economic instability and social inequalities.
Urgent action is needed to transform how we live, work, produce, consume and govern. Strengthening primary prevention is essential, given the substantial reduction in disease burden it can offer, as well as the potential savings in healthcare costs and resources. Cross-sectoral collaboration is crucial in addressing the environmental determinants of health, including the health, energy, industry, agriculture and transport sectors. Integrating actions across these sectors often leads to significant co-benefits and cost reductions.
In 2016, 13.7 million of deaths, representing 24% of global fatalities, were attributed to modifiable environmental risks. This means nearly one in four global deaths are linked to environmental conditions.
Almost all diseases are influenced by unhealthy environments, with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – including heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases and cancers – being the most affected. Air pollution alone is responsible for millions of these deaths each year. Infectious diseases are also significantly impacted, with pathogens transmitted through unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene, and zoonoses rising due to ecosystem disruption. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance poses a growing threat, especially when wastewater and solid waste are not properly managed.
WHO is dedicated to safeguarding health and enhancing well-being by incorporating nature and biodiversity into health policy.
Nature plays a crucial role in human health and well-being. Exposure to natural environments has been linked to numerous physical and mental health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function and lower risk of chronic diseases. Green spaces, forests and bodies of water provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and relaxation, all of which contribute to overall health.
Biodiversity and functional ecosystems also support human health and well-being through diverse ecosystem services such as air purification, water filtration and climate regulation. However, urbanization and land use change, environmental degradation and pollution as well as climate change threaten natural environments, leading to biodiversity loss and increased health risks. The degradation of ecosystems can contribute to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions and the spread of infectious and zoonotic diseases.
Recognizing these connections, public health initiatives increasingly use nature and integrate nature-based solutions to protect health and promote well-being. Embedding nature conservation efforts and environmental sustainability elements in sectoral policies is essential for safeguarding both human and planetary health.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe actively addresses the intersection of nature and health through various initiatives:
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