Environmental degradation would help explain 13% of deaths in Europe. In a report, the European Environment Agency points out that the most vulnerable people are the most affected by the effects of pollution.
- The European Environment Agency has assessed the impact of pollution on deaths
- Eastern European countries would be more affected than those of Western Europe
- The Agency makes the link between environmental degradation and the appearance of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2
“Poor environmental quality contributes to 13% of deaths”says the European Environment Agency in a report published on September 8, 2020. This is due to atmospheric pollution, but also sound and chemical pollution. “There is a clear link between the state of the environment and the health of our population, commented Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. Everyone must understand that by taking care of our planet, we are not only saving ecosystems, but also lives, and more particularly those of the most vulnerable.” Environmental pollution is associated with higher risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, respiratory disease and neurological disorders.
Inequalities between Western and Eastern Europe
For the European organization, we are not all equal in the face of the dangers of environmental pollution. The most vulnerable people are the most affected: in Europe, this translates into a greater share of pollution-related deaths in the East than in the West. The percentage of deaths linked to environmental factors is 9% in Norway, against 23% in Albania and 27% in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “The poorest people are disproportionately exposed to pollution and extreme weather conditions, including heat waves and extreme cold. This is linked to where they live, work and go to school, often in socially disadvantaged areas and neighborhoods on the outskirts of major traffic arteries.says the report. “Strong action is needed to protect the most vulnerable in our society, as poverty often goes hand in hand with living in poor environmental conditions and being in poor health.”says Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency.
Covid-19 and pollution: close links
the report of the European Environment Agency makes the link between pollution and Covid-19. “The emergence of such zoological pathogens is linked to environmental degradation and human-animal interactions in the food system.”, explains the report. For its authors, the new coronavirus is a striking example of the complex links between the environment, social systems and health. “COVID-19 has been yet another wake-up call, making us fully aware of the relationship between our ecosystems and our health and of the need to face reality: our way of living, consuming and producing is detrimental to the climate and negatively impacts our health”insists Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.
Recommendations from the European Environment Agency
The European Environment Agency recommends increasing the place of green spaces in cities to preserve biodiversity and improve the health and well-being of populations. Reducing the role of pollution in deaths will also involve changing our eating habits, our consumption, and modifying our means of transport.
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