EPHA strongly supports the European Commission’s interventions to mitigate against climate change and to protect Planetary Health.
We see climate policies as one of the cornerstones of current health and public health policy in Europe, and as such, we see great opportunities for climate mitigation and health co-benefits through ambitious, stringent, dedicated and health-focused policy in the EU. We see the following themes as priorities when planning the 2040 EU Climate Targets. These are based on current and predicted public health issues, and the proposed trajectory of policy, science, technology and success to date.
EPHA’s five priorities are:
Ambitious reduction in emissions
Rapid, deep, long-term reductions in emissions, even above what is already set out in the EU Green Deal. Strong accountability frameworks, social participation, and political commitment
Focus on health and health co-benefits
Targets should specifically take into account health and health co-benefits across a number of areas and be part of a just transition. The healthcare sector should be vocal leaders to achieve decarbonisation of the health sector.
Securing finances and implementation
EU funds should be made available rapidly and at scale to meet the challenge. Budget should be dedicated to the implementation gap. The EU should utilise financing instruments to leverage change and improve resilience.
Protection of the most vulnerable
Focus on, and prioritise engagement with, the most marginalised. Environmental Justice should be a key guiding principle. The wider European region should be collaborated with, including low-income countries
System transformation and decarbonisation
Key systems that are high-emitters should be transformed, including home heating, cooking, transport and mobility, and food and agriculture. Sustainability, accessibility, affordability and justice should all be part of the transition.
