Healthy environments for healthy populations: why do they matter and what can we do?
Each year, at least 12.6 million deaths are linked to avoidable environmental risks, with air pollution alone responsible for 7 million annual deaths. This document, developed by WHO, is a practical guide to the environmental determinants of health, outlining key risks, effective interventions, and the role of different sectors in creating healthier environments.
The brief
WHO required an accessible, evidence-based resource to support policymakers, health professionals and development partners in addressing environment-related health risks. Our task was to transform technical data into a concise, visual overview of environmental health challenges and sector-specific solutions.
Our approach
The document is organised into colour-coded sections by topic. Part one covers major environmental health risks (air pollution, unsafe water, climate change), while part two highlights priority action areas (city planning, workplaces, healthcare settings). Throughout, text is chunked up and accompanied by supporting iconography, helping users to locate relevant information efficiently.
Visual language
Distinct colours signpost different topics, with straightforward data visualisations combining icons, numbers and text. These are complemented by predominantly black and white photographs that maintain focus on real-world impacts.
The deliverables
This dual-purpose report addresses both environmental challenges and key action areas, functioning as a resource for analysis and practical implementation.
The highlights
One of the document’s key contributions is its sector-wide approach, demonstrating how environmental health challenges cannot be tackled in isolation. More than just an information source, this report serves as a catalyst for cross-sectoral collaboration in the search for sustainable solutions and a healthier planet.
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