Page 21 - Environmental_Ecology

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Chapter 4 Quality of life

4.1 Ensuring human health

If ecology studies for the protection of terrestrial species, then we cannot fail to address the issue of the
protection and prevention of the Human Being, who is responsible for his own protection and health. The
quality of human life is, in fact, a consequence of the same human policies related to the environment.
If the planet is well, then also its “inhabitants” are well. Health is in fact linked to Objective 3 of Agenda
2030, which aims to ensure health and well-being for all and for all ages. To achieve sustainable develop-
ment it is, in fact, essential to ensure a healthy life and promote the wellbeing of all at all ages .
1

Great progress has been made in increasing life expectancy and reducing some of the most common cau-
ses of death linked to infant and maternal mortality. Significant progress has been made in access to clean
water and sanitation, in reducing malaria, tuberculosis, polio and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Nevertheless,
many more efforts are needed to completely eradicate a wide variety of diseases and to address many dif-
ferent health issues, whether recent or persistent. This can be achieved by ensuring access to quality food,
clean water and care for all.

The EU has a duty to ensure that human health is protected in all policies and to work with the Member
States to improve public health. The EU Health Programme sets out the strategy for good health and he-
althcare and is part of the broader Europe 2020 strategy, which aims to make the EU a smart, sustainable
and inclusive economy that promotes growth for all. To achieve this goal, good health is essential.

Source: https://twitter.com/eu_health/status/520248116122234880

COVID-19 has had a major impact on medical and healthcare staff, patients and health systems in Europe.
The pandemic has revealed a clear need to strengthen crisis management and health systems.

1 https://unric.org/it/obiettivo-3-assicurare-la-salute-e-il-benessere-per-tutti-e-per-tutte-le-eta/