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The linkages between health and environment are a growing concern and a number of studies and initiatives are undertaken in this area, in particular in the context of the WHO (e.g. The “Health and Environment Linkages Initiative” launched at the WSSD in 2002). However, the link between social and environmental issues is an area which requires further work in general, and at the OECD in particular.
In health economics, analysts often use a valuation framework for cost-effectiveness analysis in which costs and benefits are not directly commensurable, while in environmental economics analysts usually use a valuation framework which can be applied in a cost-benefit analysis framework. Differences between these two types of framework undermine the potential for comparative assessment of policy options in the two spheres, and thus possibilities for policy co-ordination.
The objectives of this project are two-fold:
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Identify the means by which health and environmental policies are assessed; and,
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Review the means of coordination of policy in these two spheres.
This contribution is based upon theoretical and empirical findings, as well as a review of existing practice in some OECD countries.
The first stage of this project consisted of a review of the literature on the links between health impacts and environment, and the associated policies. Based on the overview of the relevant associated literature, case studies were undertaken in the UK, France and Canada. The findings of these case studies as well as a review of secondary literature allowed for the development of policy recommendations. The final report, Improving Co-ordination between Environment and Health Policies, is now available. It also exists in French, Améliorer la Coordination des Politiques de L’environnement et de la Santé.
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