A decade of EU funded Research in Climate, Environment and Health: a review and future perspectives under Horizon Europe

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The effects of climate change in the environment and health are becoming increasingly apparent and one of the most challenging problem facing society in the European Union (EU). Direct effects mostly occur through changes in extreme weather events, while indirect effects are mainly induced by changes in environmental, social and economic determinants. Facing increasing environmental challenges and needing to protect public health, the EU has established in recent decades an extensive framework of thematic programmes and regulatory actions related to environment and health. These need constant updating and must rely on solid scientific evidence to be credible. METHODS: The EU has also responded in the last decades by providing increasing financial support for the necessary underpinning research to consolidate scientific knowledge base through its Framework Programmes of Research and Innovation. Acknowledging the importance of scientific support for better understanding environmental and health impacts of global changes, including climate change, this area of research emerged especially in FP7 and Horizon 2020 with increasing EU contribution. RESULTS:Nineteen research projects focusing environment and/or health impacts from global changes, including climate change, have been funded under Horizon 2020, receiving close to €143 million from the EU. These projects support EU policy-making and provide a good foundation to build upon to go forward with the next Framework Programme- Horizon Europe, which started in 2021. CONCLUSIONS:Attesting to the continued importance of this science-policy area, the next Framework Programme – Horizon Europe – has identified as two of the first missions to be implemented Climate-neutral and Smart Cities and Adaptation to climate change including societal transformation, both of which acknowledge the protection of human health and wellbeing as an important component and societal benefit of action. KEYWORDS: climate, environment, policy