Green health policy and guidance

Our Natural Health Service builds on the successes of the Green Exercise Partnership (GEP) and is backed by the Scottish Government’s health and environment portfolios.  Its main purpose is to promote better health and quality of life for Scotland’s people by encouraging more physical activity outdoors and more contact with nature.

This report summarises the evidence of how climate change mitigation actions could promote human health in the near term, through ‘co-benefits’. The main health co-benefits of climate mitigation or net-zero policies stem from actions to phase out fossil fuels, implement more energy-efficient housing, promote healthier dietary choices, and encourage more active travel (walking and cycling). Other benefits can accrue from providing healthy and productive employment opportunities and greater access to nature.

This strategy document sets out plans for NHS Scotland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on the environment, adapt to climate change and to better contribute to the United Nation sustainable development goals. It has been developed by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland Assure.

This review provides a statement of our pre-COVID-19 ambition on driving progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Scotland. It brings together evidence, actions and stories of how we are making progress to meet the Goals.