MANILA – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored Friday the critical connection between environmental health and public well-being in observance of World Environmental Health Day.
The quality of air, water, food and living conditions directly affects human health, while environmental issues like pollution, deforestation and climate change pose immediate and long-term risks not only to the environment but to human lives, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said in a news release.
“Polluted air worsens respiratory illnesses, contaminated water leads to disease outbreaks, and degraded ecosystems increase our vulnerability to floods and droughts,” Borje said.
The CCC said environmental protection is not only about conservation but also about ensuring the health and safety of current and future generations.
Environmental degradation, Borje added, imposes a heavy economic burden on healthcare systems and communities.
“The rise in environment-related diseases, such as asthma and waterborne illnesses, leads to higher healthcare costs and loss of productivity. Therefore, prioritizing environmental health translates into significant public health and economic benefits,” the CCC said.
Borje urged the public to take active steps toward protecting the environment, noting that even small actions, such as reducing waste, conserving water and planting trees, can have a meaningful impact on improving environmental health.
The World Environmental Health Day every Sept. 26 serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address environmental challenges to safeguard public health, Borje said.
The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policies that promote environmental health, aligning these efforts with the country’s sustainable development goals and global climate action initiatives.
World Environmental Health Day was officially recognized in the Philippines through Presidential Proclamation No. 595, s. 2018, which aims to raise awareness about the vital connection between environmental quality and human health.
“Let us all take this opportunity to reflect on how we can actively contribute to protecting the environment to safeguard the health of current and future generations,” Borje said. (PNA)