'Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts' (UN (United Nations )). Climate is changing all over the world, including the Netherlands. How can we lead safe, healthy lives in a changing climate? RIVM assesses the impact of climate change on health, infectious disease and the environment. We also conduct research on climate adaptation and disseminate relevant knowledge. In doing so, we contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 13.
RIVM researches the impact of climate change on e.g. health, the quality of drinking water sources, trends in air, water and soil quality, and the establishment of a sustainable, healthy human environment. We formulate measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. RIVM professor Guus Velders provided the scientific foundation for the global climate accord signed in October 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The consequences of climate change effects – such as flooding, water-borne diseases and other vectors of infectious disease, heat stress – can have economic and societal impact. A group of top-ranking scientists all over the world is currently researching climate change in the framework of the IPCC. RIVM is an advisor on the Netherlands Adaptation Strategy for Climate Change and co-founder of the Netherlands Consortium on Climate Change Adaptation.
RIVM studies show that eating less meat is better for our health and contributes to mitigating climate impact.