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Unravelling
health-to-disease
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IMMEDIATE and the SDGs: Climate change impacts on health

In this IMMEDIATE insight, Dr Sonja Bergner, an expert in sustainable innovation at EURICE, shares insights into how following a cross-cutting One Health approach—which recognises the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment—is crucial to both planetary and human health.

IMMEDIATE%20insights

The Growing Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases

In 2019, almost 8 million global deaths and over 187 million lost Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions were attributed to dietary risks (Global Burden of Disease Collaboration Network, 2020). These figures highlight the urgent need to address not only individual health but also the broader factors affecting our food and environmental systems.

Climate change and population growth are straining the agri-food sector, increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and use of chemicals (e.g. pesticides), depleting natural resources, and reducing biodiversity. These impacts create new health risks and significant external costs, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts and disease outbreaks.

Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established as a universal call to action for sustainable development. As we reach the midpoint to 2030, global progress on the SDGs is lagging, with only 15% on track. EU-funded R&I activities under Pillar II of Horizon Europe drive sustainable solutions for health, food security, and environmental resilience. IMMEDIATE focuses on advancing SDG “Good Health and Well-Being for all at all ages.” Through dietary and lifestyle recommendations, IMMEDIATE aims to prevent the onset of inflammatory cardiovascular diseases, thus contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future. Aligning our work with the SDGs Zero Hunger and Climate Action allows for integrated solutions to global challenges.

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IMMEDIATE’s One Health Approach

IMMEDIATE is dedicated to the One Health framework, which acknowledges the vital connections between humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. By providing personalised dietary and lifestyle (e.g. physical activity) recommendations, IMMEDIATE addresses NCDs such as chronic kidney disease and Type-2 diabetes, supporting sustainable health outcomes.

Mapping the Diet-Microbiome-Immune Axis

A primary objective of IMMEDIATE is to identify biomarkers and mechanisms linking diet, the gut microbiome, and immune responses in the transition from health to disease. For example, high consumption of animal-based foods, coupled with low intake of plant-based foods, impacts gut health and inflammation, emphasising the need for balanced diets as part of disease prevention.

The Role of EU Agencies and the One Health Initiative

The One Health approach is endorsed by numerous EU agencies , including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). They support interconnected health domains—human, animal, and environmental health—including food safety, climate change adaptation, biodiversity, zoonotic and re(emerging) infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Collaborative Action for Global Health Challenges: Transitioning from Sectoral to Systemic Thinking

Looking ahead, the Quadripartite —comprising the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)— has set forth an ambitious agenda to implement the Joint Plan of Action for One Health. This plan is critical for addressing the interconnected challenges outlined in the SDGs, particularly as they relate to public health and environmental sustainability.

Achieving these goals requires a united approach. Through concerted action across sectors, stakeholders can drive meaningful progress toward SDG targets and foster resilience in public health systems. Public finance and international cooperation are therefore critical for mitigation and adaptation, and can also leverage private finance . Horizon Europe’s funding landscape, specifically within Pillar II’s Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment) and Cluster 1 (Health), provides essential support for projects like IMMEDIATE. These initiatives are instrumental in advancing One Health and ensuring a sustainable future for all. In addition, IMMEDIATE partner EURICE is building essential bridges across projects in the thematic area of Health and Food and Farm to Fork. This collaboration strengthens IMMEDIATE’s impact by connecting diverse research areas and stakeholders working toward the SDGs.

Outlook for Framework Programme 10 (FP10)

Looking toward Framework Programme 10 (FP10), set to follow Horizon Europe in 2028, we anticipate a continued emphasis on cross-cutting topics that bridge food systems, nutrition, and health. Reflecting the Horizon Europe strategic plan, FP10 is likely to promote “synergies by design ”— an intentional approach to align work programmes and calls for proposals that foster interdisciplinary research. These synergies are intended to enhance the impact of research outcomes, allowing FP10 projects to build on advancements from Horizon Europe and other initiatives. This integrated framework will support transformative research efforts essential for addressing complex challenges in public health, sustainable food systems, and climate resilience.

In preventing lifestyle-related diseases, helping reduce healthcare burdens and improving quality of life across communities, IMMEDIATE contributes to shared goals to “leave no one behind.” Discover how we make a difference and learn more about our approach here.

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