As the cities, regions and towns of Europe, we stand at a pivotal moment, where the health of our populations, our environment and nature, and our democratic values are intricately intertwined. The triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are directly and adversely impacting our health and well-being. The One/Planetary Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, must be at the core of European policymaking. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of public health crises, many of which stem from ecological degradation and weakened health systems. As urban populations grow older and climate change intensifies, the well-being of all depends on the health of the urban environment and ecosystems.
We, the undersigned cities, call upon the European Union policymakers to adopt and champion a One/Planetary Health approach in environmental policies and strategies. We urge the European Union to embed nature-based solutions, public health priorities, and democratic governance into the core of all EU legislation and programs, ensuring a holistic, resilient, and equitable future for all. We call upon ensuring the availability of funds for local implementation and research to drive innovation in prevention and treatment, and we commit to the following principles and actions, presented in the call.
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