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
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.