Over 30 health groups call to phase out fossil fuels

The EU Healthy Air Coalition (EUHAC), joined by European and global health organisations, has issued a statement calling on EU policymakers to phase out fossil fuels swiftly. Climate change and air pollution are the greatest environmental threats to health in Europe, and burning fossil fuels is a major driver of both. 

Sophie Perroud-Akkerman, senior coordinator health and air quality at the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) and EUHAC coordinator, says: “Today we call on EU policymakers to swiftly phase out fossil fuels, because burning them drives climate change and air pollution that harm health and cost billions. Policymakers should focus on preventing these threats to health and the environment. To achieve this, policymakers should adopt evidence-based binding fossil fuel exit plans, end energy poverty, prioritise vulnerable groups, and focus on curtailing misinformation and disinformation.”  

Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, and air pollution still results in hundreds of thousands of premature deaths annually. The health damages are estimated at between €290bn-950bn per year by 2030, according to a European Commission report.  Despite these costs, subsidies provided to fossil fuels in the European Union still reached €111 billion in 2023, according to the EEA. 

Air pollution is a cause and an exacerbating factor for all major non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and lung cancer, as well as acute respiratory infections. There is growing evidence of adverse impacts on mental and neurological health. Poor air quality also increases people’s vulnerability to the health impacts of climate change.  

Access the full statement.

Health organisations willing to add their signature to this statement are welcome to contact the EUHAC coordinator at euhealthyair@env-health.org