This article is a theoretical reflection on the trajectory of the right to health and to the environment in the political Brazilian scenario and in the health sector. It aims to discuss the possibilities of these rights to be effectively guaranteed, out of the rhetorical sphere, in order to structure a fairer and healthier society. We observed that the Brazilian scenario evidences that the complex problems associated to the environmental and health injustices are materialized in social exclusion and environmental degradation, compromising these rights. We concluded that the assurance of these rights is linked to the possibilities of a collective achievement of the Brazilian society, to which Nursing can provide an important contribution.
health; environment; right to health; environmental health; public health; universal access to health care services; health inequalities; social inequity