Climate change, nature recovery, and health inequity are three of the biggest challenges facing society today. Well planned local action can help to address all three together while bringing a whole range of benefits to local communities.

However, if we view each of these challenges in isolation, we risk missing opportunities to create to healthier, happier, more equal, and more sustainable communities for everyone.

This report looks at five key areas where environmental sustainability intersects with health: climate change, access to nature, air pollution, fuel poverty, and the food environment. In each case, it outlines strong evidence for the links between these areas and health outcomes and describes how inequality in the local environment contributes to health inequalities. 


Published May 2023; Author: Fay Holland, Policy & Research Executive

Read the report

You can view the full report below. To make it easier to read you can click on the report to make it full screen and zoom in and out using the controls on the bottom of the page. You can also use the toolbar to download a PDF version.

News & Blogs

News: We’re missing opportunities to improve people’s health while tackling the climate and nature crises

Read the report press release.

News: Tackling climate change with help from Northumberland landowners and farmers

How nature-based solutions will tackle the environmental crisis.


Personal stories

Green Doctor – John’s story

See how the Green Doctor service helped John from Sunderland.

New to Nature – Ben’s story

Read how Ben is growing a green career and prioritising a healthier future.

Volunteer Roy pruning bushes at Grozone

Grozone – Roy’s story

Read how a community hub supports Roy through a bereavement.