PRESS STATEMENT

Brussels, 24 May 2011 - The combined voices of Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) and Health Care Without Harm Europe (HCWH Europe), the two leading health and environment groups working at the European level, have voiced their strong approval following the ENVI Committee vote today in support for a 30% EU reduction target in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 [1].

HEAL and HCWH Europe released a report in 2010 showing the huge public health benefits of moving to a 30% GHG emissions reduction target [2]. These include reductions in premature death and illness, fewer working days lost and lower healthcare costs.

"This vote paves the way for strong climate policies in the EU that will protect public health," says Dr. Pendo Maro, Senior Policy Advisor, HEAL/HCWH Europe.

"Our report shows that the health benefits of fewer air pollutants associated with reaching a 30% target are up to 30.5 EUR billion per year by 2020 - this represents two-thirds of the European Commission’s estimate of the costs involved in moving to the 30% target."

"This vote reflects a step away from the previous "cost" perspective and towards a win-win focus on the colossal benefits for public health, innovation and productivity of action to mitigate climate change," she adds.

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