THL studying effects of heat waves and darker winters on health
A new statement put out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) shows what kind of climate change related work is being done at the Institute. The work of national public health institutes has international significance when they study, for example, how climate change affects health, and when they provide timely information for actors in the health and social sector.
Phenomena related to climate change have a direct impact on citizens’ health. They may also affect how health and social care services function.
Our recently released statement reveals that THL conducts research and expert work related to health and wellbeing issues that are affected by climate change, such as:
- Social and health effects of heat and heat waves
- Mental health impacts of darkening winters
- Sustainable and healthy nutrition and just food systems
- Climate friendly, health-promoting and just transportation
- Healthy buildings resistant to weather disruptions
- Water safety
- Spread of vector-borne diseases, such as borreliosis
- Welfare policies
- Sustainable and climate-friendly health and social care sector.
Information produced on matters such as sustainable food systems that also promote health, and on the social and health sector help us in sustainability transition. This means the rapid adaptation of human activities – such as housing, energy production, transport, and food systems – to the carrying capacity of the environment.
In the future, THL will continue to produce information on the health and social effects of climate change.
Public health institutes can affect the mitigation of climate change and adapting to it
THL was involved in drafting a roadmap released by the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) to support the development of the institutes’ capacity globally to be key advocates and actors of climate mitigation and adaptation. The plan was launched in November 2021 at the UN Climate Change Conference.
The international roadmap lists ways in which the institutes can promote the climate change mitigation and adaptation. In accordance with the roadmap, THL is acting on the climate change mitigation and adaptation by producing information on how public health and well-being can be protected and promoted in the changing climate.
The information helps decision-makers at the national and regional levels to make integrated assessments regarding climate, welfare, health, and environmental policies.
Further information
Jaana Halonen
Research Programme Director
tel. +358 29 524 6100
[email protected]
