News on our policy work
Health risks from climate change highlighted in joint letter to the WHO Director General
On 14 May, health organisations representing health and health-promotion professionals and health care institutions from around the world, wrote to the Director General of the WHO highlighting the urgent concerns of the health and medical professionals and health care workers in relation to the health risks from climate change. Read more...
The Unpaid Health Bill launched in Germany Coal power plants in Germany are associated with health costs of more than 6 billion EUR per year. This is one of the findings on how coal pollution contributes to ill-health and death from the recent HEAL report “The Unpaid health bill”. The German version has now been launched with a press conference in Berlin. Read more…
Study estimates health impact of coal-fired power plants in India
A recent study shows that emissions from coal-fired power stations in India have a worrisome effect on ill-health and death. Two thirds of India’s electricity is produced by coal based power plants. Read more…
Take Action!
Public consultation on the Green Paper ´A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies
The Green Paper published on 27 March by the EC launches a public consultation - Deadline 2 July 2013
Health and medical organisations from around the world signed a declaration for the Doha climate negotiations on how to better protect and promote our health. Get involved by signing on as an individual or as an organisation concerned about climate change and health. Sign the Declaration here!
Events
June
- 4-7 – Brussels, Belgium: EU Green Week: Cleaner air for all - More information here
- 5 – HEAL at Green Week: Session 3.4 and Session 5.1.
- 5 World Environment Day - More information here
The Unpaid Health Bill: How coal power plants make us sick presents the first-ever economic assessment of the health costs associated with air pollution from coal power plants in Europe as well as testimonies from leading health advocates, medical experts and policy makers on why they are concerned about coal.
The report develops recommendations for policy-makers and the health community on how to address the unpaid health bill and ensure that it is taken into account in future energy decisions.
More information here
The report Acting NOW for better health: A 30% reduction target for EU climate policy reframes the current discussions from climate costs to climate benefits, particularly for people’s health and healthcare systems.
In addition to the report, HEAL has also provided:
Join the debate
We have an active and growing mailing group on climate and health. Sign up by contacting us.
Learn more about HEAL’s views and policy work on Climate Change
7 March 2013: Coal’s health bill reaches €43 billion a year
5 December 2012: Doha health declaration wins major support from European groups
1 March 2012: HEAL backs 10 guiding principles and call to tackle an invisible killer
30 January 2012: Commission’s good news on health benefits should tip balance for higher EU climate target
16 December 2011: Durban climate outcomes and health gains
All press releases on Climate change »Health risks from climate change highlighted in joint letter to the WHO
24 May 2012Energy efficiency targets for a healthy climate, clean air and healthy housing
21 November 2011HEAL letter on ENVI discussion on Energy Efficiency – Indoor air quality and health concerns
All letters on Climate change »21 December 2012: HEAL submission to the consultation process on the EIB energy lending policy review
20 August 2012: HEAL response to public consultation on an EU strategy on adaptation to climate change
4 December 2011: COP17 Durban Declaration on Climate and Health
4 December 2011: COP17 Durban: Protecting Public Health From Climate - A Global Call to Action
15 December 2010: NGO Position paper: Cancun Climate and Health Statement (SPANISH)
All position papers on Climate change »
