It said factors such as air and noise pollution, as well as poor water quality and exposure to chemicals, contributed to 13% of all deaths. The report also noted that poorer communities and vulnerable people were the hardest hit by pollution. “Strong action is needed to protect the most vulnerable,” the agency said.

“There is a clear link between the state of the environment and the health of our population,” the EU’s Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius said. “Everyone must understand that by taking care of our planet we are not only saving ecosystems, but also lives,” he added.(bbc)…[+]