Environment and health
The environment is a major determinant of health, estimated to account for almost 20% of all deaths in the WHO European Region. 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.
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Top story
Health on Earth: a healthy planet benefits us all – World Health Day 2022
On this World Health Day, WHO/Europe calls on everyone to come together and recognize the importance of our planet, for the sake of our health and that of the generations to come.
News
- Can culture bring new meaning to waste?
- Education and provisions for adequate menstrual hygiene management at school can prevent adverse health consequences
- Climate change is increasing the risk of heatwaves: preparing for a warm and dry summer in the European Region
Bonn Dialogues on Environment and Health
A series of high-level Bonn Dialogues on Environment an Health
Publications
Effective risk communication for environment and health: a strategic report on recent trends, theories and concepts (2021)
Environment and health tools
Governance
European process on environment and health
In the late 1980s, European countries initiated the first ever process to eliminate the most significant environmental threats to human health. Progress towards this goal is driven by a series of ministerial conferences held every five years and coordinated by WHO/Europe.
Read moreKey policy documents
Work of WHO/Europe on environment and health
Health and Environment in the WHO European Region: Creating resilient communities and supportive environments
