Physical environment: policy context

In Scotland, Good Places, Better Health: A New approach to the Environment and Health in Scotland: Implementation Plan, 2008, provides the overall policy context for this issue. This plan notes that, while environmental measures targeted at reducing the threat of infection, pollution and physical threat remain relevant, "there is now an additional need to shape places which are nurturing of positive health, wellbeing and resilience and which are consistent with and promoting of healthy behaviour and healthier lives."  A report on the protype phase, complete with recommendations, Good Places Better Health for Scotland's Children, was published in December 2011. 

At a national level the Scottish Government aims to achieve a Greener Scotland by focusing on the natural and built environment, environmental impact and sustainable places. There are also clear links with deprivation: the Greener Scotland Section of Equally Well (the Scottish Government's report on reducing health inequalities in Scotland) makes a number of recommendations on how action on the environment might help reduce health inequalities in Scotland. These include structural changes in the environment, legislation and improved accessibility of services.

Globally, the Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2008) (7.4 MB) emphasises the positive impact on health equity, physical and mental health and wellbeing that a well-designed environment can bring, especially in an urban setting. In countries where access to clean water, electricity and sanitation is near-universal, this might entail designing urban environments that promote healthy eating and active living and reduce the potential for crime and violence. There are also broader and more long-term environmental threats, notably climate change. To contribute towards tackling this, the Scottish Government has set a target to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.