The article begins by highlighting the significant threat of climate change to global health, citing the Lancet Countdown and WHO estimates of increased mortality due to climate-related factors. However, it reframes climate change as an opportunity to improve health through mitigation efforts. Despite slow progress globally in meeting climate targets, the paper emphasizes the crucial role of local initiatives, particularly ecovillages, in implementing sustainable practices. Ecovillages are presented as laboratories for sustainable living, offering valuable insights into concrete climate solutions. The article focuses on the impact of climate mitigation at the local level, specifically on physical and mental health, and aims to demonstrate how ecovillages contribute to solving the climate crisis while simultaneously promoting health. Two research questions guide the study: What climate practices are implemented in the ecovillage? What are the health implications of these climate practices for the ecovillage residents?

The literature review examines the determinants of health, using models to illustrate the complex interplay of factors influencing individual and community well-being. It then discusses the IPCC's findings on the pathways through which climate change affects health (direct, indirect environmental, and indirect societal impacts). The review focuses on the health co-benefits of climate mitigation, categorized into three tracks: air quality (reducing emissions from various sources), urban planning (promoting active transport, green spaces, and sustainable building), and food systems (shifting towards plant-rich diets and sustainable agriculture). The review cites studies highlighting the substantial health and economic benefits associated with improvements in each of these areas, emphasizing the considerable overlap between greenhouse gas reduction and reduced air pollution, especially in the context of energy system transitions and household fuel use.

The study employed an exploratory qualitative research design using a single case study of the ecovillage Sulzbrunn in Germany. Sulzbrunn was selected based on criteria including GEN membership, established existence, population size, and focus on environmental sustainability. Qualitative semi-structured interviews (n=9) were conducted with adult residents, supplemented by informal participation in community activities to gain deeper insights into daily life. The interviews focused on sustainability practices, community engagement, and residents' self-perceived health outcomes. The methodology acknowledged the exploratory nature of the research and its limitations regarding generalizability.

The case study revealed climate practices in Sulzbrunn centered on sustainable agriculture (organic farming, permaculture, animal husbandry integrated into the system, and a community-run village store), green energy supply (solar energy, renewable energy sources for purchased electricity), and sustainable resource use (waste reduction, material reuse, rainwater harvesting, regional sourcing, and resource-sharing models like car and e-bike sharing, tool sharing, and shared kitchens). The residents reported significant health co-benefits: increased physical activity from various tasks (gardening, cycling, walking), healthy diets due to access to organic, locally grown food, and improved mental health linked to nature connection, community engagement, and a balanced lifestyle. Children's well-being was also highlighted, with benefits stemming from outdoor play, social interaction, and opportunities for independent development within the community.

The study findings demonstrate a strong reciprocal relationship between climate practices and perceived health outcomes in the ecovillage. The integrated nature of sustainability within the ecovillage created an environment where health-promoting behaviors occurred naturally. The findings highlight the potential of community-led initiatives in implementing practical climate solutions and fostering health co-benefits. The discussion contrasts the ecovillage model with the often-slow progress of top-down climate policies and emphasizes the need for citizen participation and localized action to achieve rapid change. The limitations of the small sample size are acknowledged, highlighting the need for future research with larger samples and diverse ecovillages to investigate the transferability of these practices to broader contexts.

The study concludes that global climate policies can yield significant health co-benefits through improved air quality, urban planning, and sustainable food systems. Ecovillages, like Sulzbrunn, demonstrate the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives in implementing practical climate solutions and fostering well-being. The authors advocate for increased recognition and integration of ecovillages and similar initiatives within governance frameworks to address climate change and promote public health. Future research should focus on larger-scale studies to investigate generalizability and the factors contributing to successful implementation and positive health outcomes.

The main limitation of this study is its small sample size, restricting the generalizability of the findings. The study relies on self-reported health perceptions rather than objective health measurements. The diversity of ecovillages suggests that future studies should encompass a broader range of examples to account for variations in practices and their respective health implications. The gap between the theoretical framework and the specific practices observed in the case study is also noted.