We aim to highlight this preventative approach in the overall EU strategic discussions, such as the Europe 2020 strategy, and to have environment and health concerns integrated into all relevant policies, such as action to mitigate climate change, the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, resource-efficiency and transport-related issues.
Specifically, HEAL encourages decision-makers to work to a dedicated vision on where the EU should be going in terms of protecting health and the environment. This is why we call for a second EU Action Plan on Environment and Health, as well as a 7th EU Environment Action Programme, to ensure that health and quality of life receive central political priority and funding. Such dedicated programmes are also necessary to ensure that recent commitments made as part of the WHO European Region environment and health process come to life at EU level.
In all our activities, HEAL puts the spotlight on protecting the health of children, pregnant women and other groups who are more susceptible to environmental pollution.
Previous News on our policy work
HEAL welcomes MEP vote for better health protection in the 7th EAP
HEAL welcomes the prominence given to improving health in the 7th EU Environment Action Programme including a focus to reduce asthma and allergies related to indoor air pollutants and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals such as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Read more…
The fourth meeting of the European Environment and Health Ministerial Board in Belgrade concluded that urgent action is needed in Europe to tackle environmental health hazards including air pollution, asbestos, mercury, unsafe water and poor sanitation. Read more…
Late Lessons from Early Warnings: A Retrospective Look At Learning about Precaution
HEAL was pleased to co-host the first in a series of Partnership Calls by the US Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE) focusing on recent EEA findings on Late Lessons from Early Warnings. Discussions started with how to learn from historical cases of environment and health disasters, followed by addressed case studies on hazardous chemicals. Read more…
Winner of HEAL´s health and environment film prize recognised at international film festivals
Ed Brown’s documentary film ‘Unacceptable Levels’ has been accepted into 17 international film festivals thanks to the success of winning the first ever film prize on health and environment at the 30th International Environmental Film Festival earlier this year. Read more…
Late lessons from early warnings: A retrospective look at learning about precaution
On 16 April HEAL is co-hosting the first in a series of CHE Partnership Calls which will focus on Late Lessons from Early Warnings: A retrospective look at learning about precaution. Issues for discussion include precautionary action, coping with multi-causal hazards and taking public health decisions under conditions of uncertainty. Read more...
Protecting health, improving well-being in the 7th EAP
With discussions on the 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP) currently taking place in the EP and Environment Council, HEAL ‘s position paper spells out why it is important to strengthen the health and environment dimension of the 7th EAP. Read more...
HEAL’s latest report kicks off coal and health campaign in Europe
‘The Unpaid Health Bill: How coal power plants make us sick’ marks the beginning of a coal and health campaign in which HEAL will work closely with medical, health and climate advocacy groups, especially in countries where coal is a particular threat to health. Read more...
New WHO report reveals unequal improvements in health in Europe
While the overall level of health across the WHO European Region has clearly improved, European health statistics show inequities within and between countries, according to a new WHO report. The report also points to the role that environmental factors play in disease. Read more...
How is coal pollution making us sick?
The health costs of coal-fired power stations add a financial burden to the European population of up to €42.8 billion a year. This is the conclusion of a new HEAL report entitled ‘The unpaid health bill: How coal power plants make us sick’, which provides the first-ever economic assessment of the health costs associated with air pollution from coal power plants in Europe. Read more...
7th EAP kick-off debate in the European Parliament
Discussions on the EU’s environmental priorities until 2020 have started in the European Parliament and among Member States. EP rapporteur Gaston Franco and MEPs recently presented their views in the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee. Better implementation and increased communication to citizens were two key issues that emerged during the discussion. Read more...
Winner of ’Health and Environment Film Prize’ announced
Ed Brown won the first-ever health and environment film prize for his documentary film “Unacceptable levels’’ at the 30th International Environmental Film Festival (FIFE). The prize was established by a partnership between FIFE, the festival organisers and HEAL. Read more...
HEAL announces entries for ’’Health and Environment Film Prize’’
HEAL will be awarding a prize for the best health and environment documentary at the 30th International Environmental Film Festival taking place from 19-26 February in Paris. The winner will be awarded with the HEAL/FIFE trophy and receive 5,000 Euros at a ceremony on 26 February. Read more...
Health groups disappointment on EP noise vote
The majority of MEPs regrettably put the interest of noisy car makers ahead of their constituencies’ health, despite solid evidence on how current noise levels in Europe harm our health. Health groups including HEAL and EPHA and sustainable transport group Transport and Environment (T&E) all expressed their disappointment. Read more...
Second EEA ’Late Lessons’ report draws on environmental health concerns
HEAL welcomes an important report published by the European Environmental Agency (EEA) which highlights how action on early warning signs may be justified – and even act as a driver for innovation. Read more...
HEAL’s reaction to proposal for 7th EU Environment Action Programme (7th EAP)
While HEAL welcomes that health concerns feature in the EU Commission proposal to guide EU environmental policy up to 2020, actions put forward to reduce exposure to air and noise pollution or hazardous chemicals are too superficial to bring down rates of chronic disease from environmental pollution and the associated economic health costs. Read more…
HEAL’s 2012 Annual General Assembly a success!
HEAL members elected a new HEAL President and Executive Committee at the Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Brussels on 13-14 September. They also adopted a work programme, agreed the accounts, welcomed new members, and discovered about two new tools to help bring science to policy makers in workshops on air quality and chronic diseases Learn more...
NGOs highlight benefits of stringent noise standards
HEAL, T&E, EEB together with Eurocities, the network of major European cities - have called on EU Member States to reject attempts to further weaken the proposal on new EU vehicle noise limits. Ahead of a Competitiveness Council working group meeting, the joint letter highlighted the benefits to public health and national budgets of stringent noise standards. Learn more ...
Achievements for better health through a healthy environment (HEAL Annual review 2011)
Discover HEAL’s latest annual review – fresh of the press! While 2011 has kept EU leaders busy with the financial crisis and setting the EU back on an economic recovery path, there was evidence of a growing recognition among politicians that changes in environment policy can create better health. The 2011 HEAL Annual review showcases examples of environmental health prevention achievements in our policy areas chemicals, pesticides/biocides, air quality, climate change and others. Learn more …
Listen to your doctor: setting strict vehicle noise standards for better health
Recent studies stress the costs to society and our economy from road noise. The British Medical Association (BMA) has just urged that health be prioritized in transport planning and policy decisions. BMA’s concerns tie into a recent study from Denmark on increased heart attack risks because of road traffic noise. As MEPs are about to vote on reducing vehicle noise HEAL hopes they will listen to the voices from the health and medical community for stricter standards. Learn more …
Croatia: Environmental health prevention opportunities through EU accession
Croatia’s upcoming EU membership provides for many benefits for people’s health through better environmental protection. Yet the country will have to make greater efforts at better implementation of the EU environmental laws and inclusion of civil society. These are conclusions from a recent conference on environment &health in Zagreb, in which HEAL participated as a partner in a Croatian capacity building project. Learn more …
Better policy uptake of scientific results
One hundred participants from national health and environmental ministries and agencies, researchers, NGOs and policy-makers came together for the final conference of the ERA-ENVHEALTH network in Paris. The conference discussed future research priorities on health effects of environmental pollution and how scientists can foster better uptake of research in policy discussions. HEAL gave a keynote presentation. Learn more …
Halfway through its term in office, the European Commission is falling behind to create sustainable long-term prosperity in Europe. Green 10, a platform of environmental organizations active at EU level, of which HEAL is a member, launched their assessment of the Commission’s environmental (health) performance since 2010. Learn more…
ENVI vote on EU Public Health Financing
Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted their position on the proposal for EU financing for public health activities 2014 onwards. In their position on the Health for Growth Programme MEPs stress that environmental factors need to be considered in disease prevention. Learn more…
Health conclusions from ‘The Future We Want’ Rio+20 outcome document
Civil society groups from all over the world voiced disappointment on the outcomes of the UN conference on sustainable development. While the document “The Future We want” lacks concrete objectives and timelines, HEAL is nevertheless pleased to see that health has gained a more prominent role in the lead up to Rio. Learn more…
Special WHO meeting on the implementation of children’s environmental health commitments
In 2010, health and environment ministers from the 53 countries of the WHO European region committed to measures to protect especially children’s health from environmental threats in the Parma Declaration and Commitment to Act. This includes for the first time-bound goals. Ministry representatives and stakeholders met recently to discuss progress on the implementation regarding the definition of indicators to measure progress. Learn more…
Health and Environment Priorities of the Cypriotic EU Presidency
On 1st July, the Republic of Cyprus took over the Presidency of the EU and presented their environmental and health priorities. HEAL hopes the next 6 months will provide for many opportunities to show why environmental prevention measures are good for both health and the economy. Learn more…
HEAL welcomes Environment Ministers’ inclusion of “health protection” in 7th EAP
The Health and Environment Alliance strongly supports the EU Environment ministers’ call for environmental policy measures, which will help prevent rising rates of chronic disease, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, in the 7th Environmental Action Programme. The conclusions urge the Commission to address health and environment in the forthcoming 7th EAP proposal “to ensure the continuation and enhancement of policies to protect human health and the environment.” Learn more …
Rio+20: Reinforcing the link between environment & health
World leaders and NGOs come together this week in Rio de Janeiro for the UN conference on sustainable development. In the run up to Rio+20, health benefits of sustainability and de-carbonisation have gained increased prominence. HEAL hopes that the health economic arguments will be a driver for a good outcome. Learn more…
7th EAP: Will environment ministers deliver on E&H protection?
Deliberations on the 7th EU Environment Action Programme are intensifying. On 11 June, EU environment ministers will adopt their recommendations for the new programme. HEAL is pleased to see that both within the European Parliament and among Environment Ministers there is support for health&environment concerns. Yet this commitment needs to translate into concrete targets and actions, as well as adequate financing. Learn more...
With less than 100 days to go to the UN conference on sustainable development, Rio+20, from 20-22 June, preparations among global leaders and civil society are intensifying. Many health groups and the World Health Organization, are working towards Rio+20, aiming to recognize health as the fourth pillar in sustainability. Learn more…
EU consults on tackling chronic diseases
The European Commission has started a long-awaited consultation with citizens, patients and health professionals on further EU actions on chronic diseases. Chronic diseases, such as cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, account for the majority of illness and deaths in Europe. HEAL thinks that a strong environmental protection agenda is key for chronic disease prevention. Learn more…
Previous Actions taken
Rights to water campaign: Water and sanitation are a human right!
Citizens are inviting the EC to propose legislation implementing the human right to water and sanitation as recognised by the UN, and promoting the provision of water and sanitation as essential public services for all. More information and to sign the petition here
Check out an inspiring environmental health film in Paris from 19 - 26 February
Learn more about how your health is intricately linked to our environment by watching a series of health and environment documentaries. The best film will be awarded with a trophy and prize, as part of HEAL´s 10th anniversary celebrations - share on Facebook
Clean transport, urban transport in the EU: how do we get there?
Express your opinion on how best to contribute with targeted EU-level action to high-quality and sustainable urban transport and mobility for all users in the 27 EU Member States. The deadline for submissions of the public consultation is set for 17 December 2012. Act now!
The UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio +20 which took place in June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro may be over but the work for a sustainable future goes on. The success of Rio+20 depends on the continuing engagement of citizens organisations and other stakeholders to push for the implementation of the political decisions taken at the historic UN Conference. Submit your ideas by filling in the public consultation. The deadline is 15 January 2013. Act now!
Have your say on the future of EU noise policies as a citizen, organisation or public authority
The EU Commission is consulting on future measures to reduce noise exposure, a key issue for public health protection. Citizens, experts and practitioners in public authorities, trade unions, NGOs, health experts and others are invited to comment on the effectiveness of the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END) and the future of EU noise policies. Comments are sought on potential measures such as setting EU-wide noise limits or trigger values and noise labels for road vehicles and houses. The consultation is part of the follow-up to a first implementation report on the END from June 2011. The deadline to submit views is 25 October 2012. Act now!
EEA seeks five new members of its Scientific Committee
The European Environment Agency (EEA) is looking for scientists interested in becoming members of its Scientific Committee. The Scientific Committee supports the EEA by providing independent opinions on the Agency’s work programmes, recruitment of scientific staff, and scientific questions from the Management Board or Executive Director. Expressions of interest must be submitted online by 12.00 CET on 12 September 2012. Learn more about eligibility and apply here – Act now!
Have your say on the future of EU noise policies
The EU Commission is consulting on future measures to reduce noise exposure, a key issue for public health protection. Citizens, experts and practitioners in public authorities, trade unions, NGOs, health experts and others are invited to comment on the effectiveness of the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END) and the future of EU noise policies. Potential measures that participants are invited to comment on include setting EU-wide noise limits or trigger values, and noise labels for road vehicles and houses. The consultation is part of the follow-up to an implementation report on the END from 2011. The deadline to submit views is 25 September 2012 - Act now!
Stop fracking in Europe before the damage is done!
The European Commission is taking a “wait-and-see” approach on the use of hydraulic fracking and shale gas, which will allow the shale gas industry to continue exploring and to start extracting shale gas. Tell the European Commission that you don’t want this extreme source of high-carbon energy, shale gas, to be developed in the EU. Fill out and/or edit the letter as you wish. It will be sent directly to the responsible EU commissioners. Act now!
Ensure consultation on future EU environment programme includes heath as a priority
The European Commission has launched a public consultation to gather views on the 7th Environmental Action Programme (7th EAP), which will set out priority objectives for EU environmental policy to be pursued up until 2020. Review the consultation and give your input by June 1. Take action…
Submit opinions on nanosilver & antimicrobial resistance + nanomaterials in medical devices
The EU Scientific Committees are calling for information (publications, references) for an opinion they will make on nanosilver & antimicrobial resistance. Take action...
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