The relationship between the environment and human well-being is closer than it seems. Nature constitutes the basis of human well-being. Protecting it not only means preserving landscapes or species, but also caring vital aspects for our healthlike the air we breathe, the water we drink and the biodiversity present in ecosystems.
A degraded environment has direct consequences on our health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), until 23% of all global deaths are related to environmental factors. Deforestation and the destruction of ecosystems increase exposure to pathogens and can lead to the emergence of diseases. Furthermore, air pollution is one of the greatest environmental health risks. Every year, 7 million people die due to exposure to polluting particles such as PM2.5, from motor vehicles and industrial activities.
Mortality due to climate change
The climate crisis aggravates this problem, generating consequences that increase global mortality. Extreme weather events, such as heat waves, floods and droughts They are responsible for a growing number of deaths and illnesses. The WHO estimates that during this decade climate change could cause 250,000 deaths annually.
At a global level, important measures have been taken to mitigate these risks. The 2015 Paris Agreement establishes as a goal limit global warming to 1.5°Cwhich could prevent millions of deaths from pollution and heat waves, according to a report published in The Lancet Public Health.
Environmental plan in Spain
In Spain, the Strategic Health and Environment Plan 2022-2026 includes concrete actions to reduce damage derived from environmental factors. Initiatives to improve our health and the environment include reforestation, protecting the oceans, reducing plastic pollution and transitioning to renewable energy.