Health budgets would benefit from ambitious climate change goals

An ambitious climate change policy would bring European Union governments major public health and financial benefits, says new research published on 14 September.

By aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, the 27 member EU would make annual health savings of up to €30.5bn (₤25.3bn; $38.8bn) by 2020 in addition to the €52bn health gains that are expected from the existing 20% reduction target.

The forecasts come as European environment ministers prepare to finalise the EU’s negotiating position in mid-October for the next stage of the global …