RIVM has activated the National Heatwave Plan more than fifteen times since its launch in 2007. But exactly how effective is the heatwave plan? RIVM has evaluated the process and outcome of the National Heatwave Plan in 2024 and 2025.
Why is this study important?
Climate change has caused increasingly longer periods of heat in the Netherlands, including the likelihood of extreme heat. But exactly how well is the Netherlands prepared for this situation? Research has revealed that heat can have major effects, particularly for people with a vulnerable health. By evaluating the effectiveness of the heatwave plan, RIVM wants to boost its impact. The goal is to ensure that the Netherlands is prepared for heat, including in extreme situations, in the best possible way.
What is the approach taken in this study?
The National Heatwave Plan Evaluation consists of four sub-studies. These studies relate to mortality figures, perception and behaviour during heat, the communication about heat and study of scenarios. RIVM is conducting this evaluation on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
What are the issues to be investigated?
The main issues to be investigated are:
- Has the relationship between high temperatures and mortality changed since the National Heatwave Plan was first activated?
- To what extent does the information from the National Heatwave Plan reach healthcare professionals?
- To what extent are people aware of the importance of protecting themselves against heat?
- To what extent do people enact the target behaviour after the National Heatwave Plan has come into effect?
- How is the cooperation between national and regional stakeholders, such as local and other authorities, during a real or fictitious period of extreme heat?
- How is the communication from the National Heatwave Plan received and understood?
When does the study start and when will the results be published?
The evaluation started in 2024 and will end in 2025. The first three reports were published on 2 June 2025 (see below). We will publish the final report late 2025, together with the final evaluation.