Air quality plays a critical role in shaping respiratory health outcomes, yet its impact is not experienced equally. Across Europe, climate-related factors such as air pollution, heatwaves and rising pollen levels are increasingly affecting people living with lung conditions, influencing both their symptoms and overall quality of life.
In this report, and our second collaboration with Economist Impact, it explores the intersection of air quality, health inequalities and lung health, drawing on patient perspectives and cross-country analysis. The findings highlight how environmental and social factors combine to shape lived experiences of respiratory disease, particularly in urban areas where exposure is often greatest.
The report calls for a more holistic approach to policy, emphasising the need to integrate patient insights, environmental data and health system priorities. By recognising the broader context in which respiratory conditions develop and are managed, it points towards more effective, equitable solutions that can improve outcomes for both patients and populations.
Click here to read the full report: https://impact.economist.com/health-society/cleaner-air-clearer-lungs-better-lives
![Action over words | The Climate Crisis is a Health Crisis. [br] It’s Time Healthcare Leads.](https://actionoverwords.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/michelle-soriano-2.webp "The Climate Crisis is a Health Crisis. [br] It’s Time Healthcare Leads.")