Climate change work at THL
THL recognizes climate change as a phenomenon that affects the welfare of current and future generations. Thus, THL addresses the need for knowledge to support mitigation of and adaptation to climate change in a way that protects and improves health and wellbeing for all. We assess the impacts of potential threats due to climate change and indicate desirable directions to support sustainable living environments in a changing climate.
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.
Based on research and expert work with national and international collaborators, THL offers expertise and guidance to combat health and wellbeing effects of climate change. This helps current and future governments and local policy makers to make integrated assessments regarding climate, welfare, health, and environmental policies.
In the coming years THL will continue to
- provide knowledge about the health and socioeconomic effects of climate change
- increase awareness regarding health and socioeconomic effects of climate change, including mitigation and adaptation
- advance evidence-based adaptation to and mitigation of climate change
- support sustainability transitions towards carbon-neutral welfare society by investigating different policy options.
Our work on climate change -related health and welfare issues is tightly aligned with the THL mission: We promote the welfare, health, and safety of the population, prevent diseases and social problems, and develop the welfare society. With our stakeholders, we contribute to sustainable climate, welfare and health policies at the local, regional, national and international levels.
Strategy
THL contributes to a healthy population in the changing climate, now and in the future (PDF 2.7 MB)
Contact information
Jaana Halonen | Expertise
Research Programme Director
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 29 524 6100
[email protected]
