The climate is changing worldwide and also in the Netherlands. The average temperature has risen over the past century, extreme precipitation has increased and very warm days are more common. Climate change affects our health. We suffer more from UV radiation, heat stress, allergies and air pollution. Climate change also affects our drinking and bathing water, our food and the prevalence of infectious diseases. RIVM is researching the effects of climate change on our health and what we can do to stay healthy.
Climate change
Climate change is an essential aspect of RIVM's work. RIVM is expanding its knowledge base on climate change and health aspects in the international and national context.
Air quality
Climate change can cause poorer air quality. More sunshine in the summer creates more ozone smog (summer smog) and trees emit more volatile hydrocarbons. This, in turn, contributes to the formation of particulate matter.
Allergens
A warmer climate causes people to suffer more from pollen, oak processionary caterpillars and dust mites. About 15 to 20 percent of the Dutch population suffers from allergic symptoms, such as hay fever.
Climate adaptation
Climate adaptation is adapting to a changing climate. Adaptation can have both positive and negative effects on health. Choosing the right options will promote health.
Food
Climate, food and health are linked in many complex ways. Important themes are food supply and food safety.
Heat stress
In recent years, hot days have become more common during the summer. For some people, heat can have unpleasant effects on their health. Such as the elderly, chronically ill and overweight people.
Infectious diseases
Climate change may affect the risks of infectious diseases, such as legionellosis, Lyme disease or West Nile fever.
UV radiation
Climate change affects the amount of UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation can cause cancer. Since 1990, the number of people with skin cancer has quadrupled.
Water
Climate change is affecting the quality and availability of water in the Netherlands. Various factors play a role in this.