How RIVM engages in cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure health is at the centre of climate action

Abstract

Abstract RIVM's mission on climate change and health is to give insight into the health impacts of a changing climate, climate measures, co-benefits and trade-offs, and to provide information, data and tools to support climate action from local to international level. To achieve this, we work closely across all RIVM's knowledge domains and with other knowledge institutes, authorities and stakeholders. The information and tools we provide are used in cross-sectoral policy and planning discussions. This ensures health is a major and timely consideration when developing climate measures, co-benefits are maximised and unintended negative effects avoided. This collaborative, cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary work enables us to tackle inherent complexities and ensures our outputs are fit for purpose. We will highlight some examples on: Plugging knowledge gaps • A database of extracted quantitative outcomes from the literature; • Research on effectiveness of heat measures for the elderly; • A survey to assess mental health impacts of flooding; • Developing the knowledge base for municipalities and water boards to limit impacts of climate change and adaptation measures on urban water quality; • An Expertise hub on wind energy and health with up-to-date, accessible information on wind turbines and health for municipalities and the public. Supporting climate action • Guidance for municipal public health services on heat and health, and an updated heat-health action plan; • A frailty index, enabling mapping of vulnerable elderly at neighbourhood level so local actors take targeted actions regarding heat exposures; • A sun-safety action plan with NGOs, leading to a nationwide communication campaign to promote healthy sun behaviour; • A tool for municipalities to limit microbial risks of urban water features; • Information on potentially negative health impacts of climate mitigation measures and examples of actions and advice public health services can put forward to minimize these effects.