Evropski zeleni dogovor in zdravje
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Opinion number:
CDR-3364-2023
Status:
Sprejeta mnenja
Objective
Highlight the health impacts of climate change, pollution and environmental degradation and gather information on local and regional impacts
Compile solutions, best practices and interesting projects that address the impacts of climate change, pollution and environmental degradation in human health
Identify policy frameworks, governance structures and enabling factors that facilitate the successful implementation of these initiatives that tackle both climate and environmental issues as well as human health aspects
Emphasize that the implementation of the European Green Deal policies benefit EU citizens and enhance our health
Compile solutions, best practices and interesting projects that address the impacts of climate change, pollution and environmental degradation in human health
Identify policy frameworks, governance structures and enabling factors that facilitate the successful implementation of these initiatives that tackle both climate and environmental issues as well as human health aspects
Emphasize that the implementation of the European Green Deal policies benefit EU citizens and enhance our health
Impact
The European Commission shares the CoR’s view that proper nutrition, healthy and sustainable diets and access to drinking water are important determinants of health, for which local and regional authorities can play an important role. The EC also shares the view that the One Health approach encompasses aspects related to climate change, the environment, and health.The EC shares the CoR’s concern in reducing health disparities and increasing access to healthcare and takes note of the support from the CoR to continue investing in scientific research.
The EC recognizes that can initiate more targeted administrative and technical assistance actions for institutional strengthening and administrative capacity-building.
The EC considered several key proposals by the CoR:
Health Disparities and Resilience of Healthcare Systems: The CoR emphasized the importance of addressing health disparities and enhancing the resilience of healthcare systems, particularly in less developed and outermost regions. The EC shared this concern and responded by funding a project under the EU4Health program. This project, with a grant of €1.5 million, is developing methodologies to test the resilience of health systems against specific shocks, including those induced by climate change
Combating Climate-Related Diseases: The CoR called for strategies to combat diseases related to climate change, such as vector-borne and water-borne illnesses. The EC aligned with this view and referenced its ongoing work under the EU Adaptation Strategy. This includes the European Climate and Health Observatory, which supports Europe in adapting to climate-related health impacts by providing access to relevant data and tools
Strengthening Local and Regional Authorities: The CoR stressed the necessity of empowering local and regional authorities with adequate funding and technical assistance to implement environmental policies effectively. The EC acknowledged this by highlighting the role of cohesion policy in supporting green transitions, allocating over €93 billion to Policy Objective 2 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund (CF), aimed at promoting clean energy and climate resilience
Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The CoR's proposal to enhance cooperation between local authorities and other stakeholders for better decision-making was reflected in the EC's support for platforms like Knowledge4Policy, which aims to provide robust knowledge bases for policy development and implementation
The EC recognizes that can initiate more targeted administrative and technical assistance actions for institutional strengthening and administrative capacity-building.
The EC considered several key proposals by the CoR:
Health Disparities and Resilience of Healthcare Systems: The CoR emphasized the importance of addressing health disparities and enhancing the resilience of healthcare systems, particularly in less developed and outermost regions. The EC shared this concern and responded by funding a project under the EU4Health program. This project, with a grant of €1.5 million, is developing methodologies to test the resilience of health systems against specific shocks, including those induced by climate change
Combating Climate-Related Diseases: The CoR called for strategies to combat diseases related to climate change, such as vector-borne and water-borne illnesses. The EC aligned with this view and referenced its ongoing work under the EU Adaptation Strategy. This includes the European Climate and Health Observatory, which supports Europe in adapting to climate-related health impacts by providing access to relevant data and tools
Strengthening Local and Regional Authorities: The CoR stressed the necessity of empowering local and regional authorities with adequate funding and technical assistance to implement environmental policies effectively. The EC acknowledged this by highlighting the role of cohesion policy in supporting green transitions, allocating over €93 billion to Policy Objective 2 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund (CF), aimed at promoting clean energy and climate resilience
Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The CoR's proposal to enhance cooperation between local authorities and other stakeholders for better decision-making was reflected in the EC's support for platforms like Knowledge4Policy, which aims to provide robust knowledge bases for policy development and implementation
Essential points
THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
points out that climate change is significantly increasing the pressures on and risks to ecosystems, human health and the economy, both for individuals and for Europe as a whole. Building on the Green Deal, it is essential to address the challenges, seize the opportunities and deliver on the ultimate goal of green transition – a climate-neutral Europe;
recognises the importance of the European Green Deal in the face of the challenges arising from the interplay of climate change, pollution and environmental degradation. Acknowledges that the European Green Deal provides a comprehensive and ambitious regulatory framework, which is necessary to achieve a sustainable and climate-neutral Europe, in line with the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals on human health and environmental protection;
recognises the key role of local and regional authorities in implementing and developing policies and measures under the European Green Deal, and thus in mitigating the impact of climate change, pollution and environmental degradation on human health;
stresses that regional and local authorities, as administrations closest to the challenges and needs of the people, are, given their sphere of competence, in a strategic position to adapt and contextualise environment policies at subnational level;
considers that there are many obstacles to the effective implementation of these policies: lack of funding, lack of accurate and up-to-date information for decision-making and evaluating processes, and the need to strengthen their institutional and technical capacity;
emphasises the need to continue investigating the health risks related to climate change.