WHO head of Europe: Reducing environmental and health risks
Francesca Racioppi, head of office at World Health Organization (WHO) European Centre for Environment and Health talks about the interconnectedness of environmental challenges and public health crises across the European continent.
Despite being the continent with many countries being among those with the highest wealth per capita and highest living standards, Europe faces alarming health risks tied to environmental factors. Annually, at least 1.4 million deaths in the 53 countries that make up the WHO European region are attributable to environmental and health risks.
In this context, Racioppi asserts that air pollution stands out as the “leading culprit”, claiming over 500,000 lives each year and contributing to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular illnesses, dementia, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Racioppi outlines how intertwined environmental challenges exacerbate health risks.
On climate change, she outlines that Europe is warming at twice the global average, leading to more frequent, more severe and longer lasting heatwaves, floods, and extreme weather events, with heat claiming more than 175,000 lives annually. “These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, further widening health inequalities,” she states.
On water quality, Racioppi warns that rural populations in eastern Europe still lack access to clean water. With the deadline of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals approaching, neglect in this area is a “glaring gap that demands immediate redress”.
She also states that the transition to a circular economy “hinges on addressing hazardous chemical exposures” as “without taking into account and controlling for the possible risks of practices such as water reuse for agriculture, there is a possibility of unintended negative health effects that can undermine sustainability goals”.
Climate change a ‘health emergency’
During the prolonged heat wave in summer 2023, for the first time the WHO European Region has declared climate change and extreme weather events as a public health emergency – on a par with pandemics. However, only a handful of European health ministries have already integrated climate considerations into their formal policies.
Racioppi praises Ireland’s leadership in this space, asserting that the Department of Health has not only prioritised climate and health, but has also spearheaded a new WHO partnership for member states to exchange knowledge and build capacity. This commitment, she states, “reflects a recognition that climate resilience and adaptation are essential to sustainable healthcare systems”.
On the relationship between climate change and health, Racioppi states that the European health sector contributes approximately 5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and urges health leaders to reduce this footprint, adding that it is “not only a moral imperative but also economically beneficial”.
Learning from Covid-19
Describing the Covid-19 pandemic as a “harsh teacher” which “exposed vulnerabilities in public health systems and highlights the consequences of ecological disruption”, Racioppi warns that future pandemics are likely to stem from the emergence of new diseases driven by biodiversity loss and ecosystem encroachment.
In response, the WHO has placed nature preservation at the forefront of its health agenda. Government health departments, however, face “capacity gaps in embedding ecologists and environmental expertise into their operations”.
“This is a governance challenge,” she states, calling for stronger collaboration between health and environment ministries.
“Ministries of health must prioritise environmental health, appointing dedicated experts and fostering intersectoral partnerships.”
Accelerating action: Tools for change
Referring to progress being made at an EU level, including the adoption of new European air quality targets after years of negotiation, Racioppi underscores the need for further collective action by member states at an EU level.
While she acknowledges that some member states have expressed reservations on adopting new, more stringent standards, Racioppi emphasises the need for collective action in order to ensure “tangible benefits for millions of Europeans”.
Implications for Ireland
Ireland’s proactive role in aligning health and environmental strategies positions it as a “model for other countries”, Racioppi states, adding that policymakers in Ireland have “an opportunity to lead by example” by demonstrating how integrated policies can “improve health outcomes while addressing climate and environmental risks”.
By building on initiatives like the WHO partnership and leveraging lessons from Covid-19, Racioppi says that Ireland can continue to shape a healthier, more sustainable future which can be of benefit for the State and for its fellow EU member states.
Vision for the future
Racioppi states that joined-up thinking between health and environmental sectors requires three strands. The first of which is integrated action, of which she states: “Ministries of health must prioritise environmental health, appointing dedicated experts and fostering intersectoral partnerships.”
The second strand is youth engagement. “Young people’s climate anxiety is a reflection of the challenges ahead, but it also underscores the importance of securing their future through decisive action and empowerment of youth in decision-making related to environment and health,” she says.
The third and final strand is “building forward better”. “Post-pandemic recovery must embrace sustainability and equity, ensuring that health systems are resilient to environmental shocks.”
In a message to environmental activists and professionals, she concludes: “At some point, you chose to work in this field because you wanted to make a difference. Let us ensure that difference is realised, for our health, and for our survival.”
