Canada at the WSSD Health and Environment

The connections between a healthy environment and human health have become increasingly evident in both developed and developing parts of the world. In many countries of the world, environmental degradation is leading to a deterioration of human health, thereby constraining social and economic development.

Addressing the close interconnection between human health and environmental degradation is at the core of achieving sustainable development. The relationship between health and environment was a key consideration during the international preparatory process leading up to the WSSD and was an important part of Canadian preparations.

Canada pursued Summit outcomes that will promote improved understanding of the links between health and environment and the ability to provide a better quality of life for people.

During the Summit, Canada announced a $3 million investment in a new global initiative for better public policies linking human health and the environment. The initiative will bring together up-to-date research on how environmental factors, such as specific water or air quality issues, affect human health. Experts from around the world will collaborate to assess the evidence and will pay special attention to environmental health impacts affecting children and other vulnerable groups.