Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL)

Introduction

In 2022, at least 9 legislative proposals for chemicals, pesticides, air quality, and climate will be launched as part of the EU Green Deal. With EGDPROTECTHEALTH-1, HEAL will advocate, engage, and communicate to 9 target groups (across 6 WPs) to turn these regulatory drafts into milestones for better human and planetary health and address inequalities.

HEAL's Role

As the leading European non-profit organisation for a healthy planet for healthy people, HEAL has over 90 member organisations working at the EU level and in Member States. This unique position enables HEAL to help deliver on the development and implementation of EU environmental and climate policies.

Anticipated Policy Results

Anticipated policy results include:

1. Advances in the protection against hazardous chemicals and pesticides.
2. 7 new initiatives, including:
   • Classifying endocrine disruptors as a hazard group.
   • Updating landmark REACH and CLP laws.
   • Tackling the forever chemicals PFAS.
   • Getting toxics out of food packaging.
   • Reductions for synthetic pesticide use.
   • A ban on glyphosate.
3. Major steps forward for clean air and zero-pollution investments.

Advocacy Strategy

The project includes a threefold advocacy strategy:

• Science-policy translation.
• Engagement of health organisations for key policy junctures.
• Multi-language, tailored communication on the health benefits of EU action.

These activities will contribute to better human health in the short and long term, significantly reducing rates of heart and lung disease, cancer, etc., by tackling environmental and climate-related risks of ill health, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Expected Impacts

Expected impacts include:

• A boost for EGD implementation.
• More health-protective policies.
• A better evidence base for EU environmental and climate policies.
• Clear regulatory frameworks that will stimulate innovation in industries and markets.
• Increased two-way channeling and multiplier effect.
• Decreased science-policy gap.
• Greater political and public support for EU environmental and climate policies to benefit health today and for future generations.