Research Base: What’s good for your health is good for the planet

Climate change is widely recognised as one of the greatest threats to human health, affecting physical and mental wellbeing through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, air pollution, food insecurity and changing patterns of infectious disease. At the same time, many of the actions required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions deliver immediate and substantial health benefits. Measures such as increasing active travel, improving air quality, consuming healthier and more plant-rich diets, enhancing energy efficiency in homes, and expanding access to green space can reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases while also lowering emissions.

This paper explores the evidence behind a simple but powerful proposition:

These links create a powerful opportunity. Rather than viewing climate action as a trade-off between environmental protection and economic or social priorities, it can be understood as an investment in healthier people, healthier communities and a healthier planet. Many interventions offer “double” or even “triple” benefits: they improve health outcomes, reduce pressure on health and care services, and contribute to climate mitigation and environmental sustainability.

The evidence is particularly compelling for the prevention of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and mental ill-health. The same societal changes that support healthier lives often reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease pollution, protect natural systems and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, environmental degradation and climate change frequently undermine the conditions required for good health.

Recent research, conducted by Real Zero, synthesises the evidence for these health-climate co-benefits, demonstrating how policies and behaviours that promote health can also advance environmental goals, and vice versa. By highlighting these shared outcomes, it aims to support more integrated approaches to public policy, healthcare, business practice and individual action.