Governance and capacities for environment and health in the WHO European Region

Overview

Environment and health governance refers to the systems, structures and processes that guide decision making and implementation of policies to reduce environmental risks to human health and promote related benefits. In the WHO European Region, over 1.4 million deaths annually are attributable to environmental factors, including air pollution, unsafe water and chemical exposure. The growing complexity of environmental challenges and threats – driven by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – requires coordinated, multisectoral governance approaches, and the human capacities and financial resources to embrace them. Effective environment and health governance ensures accountability, transparency and participation across all levels of government and sectors, enabling countries to manage risks, protect vulnerable populations and promote sustainable development. This report provides a structured framework to strengthen environment and health governance across the Region. It outlines intervention approaches and practical actions for national governments and highlights successful practices and mechanisms for intersectoral and multilevel collaboration, to support Member States in implementing the 2023 Budapest Declaration.