The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated country-specific report cards on the state of health and the environment across the globe.
WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health Director Maria Neira said the ratings assessed how countries were managing eight major environmental threats to health across sectors.
“These threats include air pollution, unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), climate change, loss of biodiversity, exposure to chemicals, and radiation, occupational risks, and environmental risks in and around health care facilities,” Dr Neria said.
She said the year’s edition also introduced a new summary score, offering a concise snapshot of how environmental conditions were impacting people’s health.
“Tackling environmental risks isn’t optional. It’s a prescription for better health, stronger economies, and a safer future. You can’t have healthy people on a sick planet.”
Dr Neria said Norway and Canada received the highest scores overall, with summary scores of 81 and 80 (out of 100) respectively.
Australia scored 74, ahead of the United States (70) and the United Kingdom (73), but behind the likes of France (77) and Germany (76).
New Zealand’s rating of 60, was impacted by a lack of policy initiatives, putting it lower than China (66), which had strong policy responses to much higher exposure risks for its population.
WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health Unit Head Annette Pruss said the updated scorecards, together with the summary score, brought new visibility to the links between environment and health at country level.
“This is a powerful tool for governments to identify challenges and shape targeted responses,” Dr Pruss said.
She said about 25 percent of the global burden of disease was linked to environmental threats that were largely preventable.
“By addressing these environmental risk factors through stronger policies, cleaner technologies, and sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce preventable illnesses and deaths—improving health outcomes while protecting our planet.”
Explore all country report cards on the WHO website.
Download: WHO Health and environmental scorecard Australia 2025
