15 January, 2026
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) has published a statement backing the request to add an ‘EU strategy on Climate and Health’ agenda point to the EPSCO meeting. ERS experts have said that the strategy is urgently needed and long overdue, for the benefit of health worldwide.
Climate change is a great threat to global health, with particularly severe consequences for respiratory health. Air pollution alone is responsible for over 300,000 premature deaths per year in Europe, predominantly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. A European Union (EU) strategy on climate and health would not only improve people’s health and prevent further exacerbation of respiratory diseases, but also reduce the growing strain placed on the health systems across Europe.
In addition, the strategy would enable better coordination across EU policies, enabling the EU to act as a more proactive, coherent and impactful lead actor, while maintaining its position at the forefront of global climate action.
The Society has highlighted several priorities which should remain at the top of the political agenda – including:
- strengthening both climate mitigation and adaption;
- addressing the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events;
- integrating climate-health considerations across all EU policies;
- raising awareness by promoting healthier and more resilient communities.