Social issues are becoming increasingly important in environmental policy. There is an urgent need to make environmental policy socially acceptable and ensure greater ecological justice.
“AdNEB II – Integrating the New European Bauhaus: Resilient Urban Spaces through Transformation, Climate Adaptation, Green-Blue Infrastructure, Sustainable Mobility, Public Health and Well-being, Environmental Justice and Strategic Alliances” is an UBA in-house research project aiming to develop recommendations for climate resilient, healthy urban spaces with a high quality of life for all.
Air pollution, noise, climate change, chemicals – Environmental problems are a burden on human health. An intact environment can have a positive influence on health and well-being. Urban green spaces are a good example. A recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) describes successes for environment and health as well as challenges that face Europe today.
The socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods of many municipalities in Germany suffer from a high number of environment-related health risks. A research project by the German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu) is testing key elements of a strategic approach to achieving environmental justice in three pilot municipalities.
People with low incomes and little education are often more exposed to environmental stress than socially advantaged people. Under the heading of “environmental justice”, the UBA works on the subject of the (uneven) distribution of exposure to environm. pressures and environmental resources and its health implications, with the aim of helping to create healthy environmental and living conditions.
The health burden caused by environmental problems is often especially high in socially disadvantaged urban neighborhoods. A research project carried out by the German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu) has explored how municipalities can be supported in their efforts towards more environmental justice at local level.
