Climate change increases risks of cancer, heat stress, infectious diseases

Climate change is increasing the risk of cancer, heat stress, and infectious diseases due to rising exposure to heat, UV radiation, summer smog, and pollen, according to new advice from the Dutch Health Council and the Scientific Climate Council (WKR) published on Thursday. The two organizations warn that climate-related health impacts are growing faster than expected.

The councils argue that the people in the Netherlands must be better protected. They estimate that without additional measures, annual heat-related deaths linked to climate change could increase three to six times by around 2050.

The councils say climate change is already contributing to about 250 heat-related deaths per year in the Netherlands, alongside roughly 100 deaths from skin cancer and 100 deaths from summer smog. They also warn that heat can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as by triggering premature birth.

This is the first time the Health Council and WKR have collaborated on an advisory. They examined not only heat and UV exposure but also health effects from insects and fungi in buildings.

The report indicates an uneven distribution of risks. People living in rental housing are more vulnerable because they rely on landlords to make their homes cooler. Older people in care facilities are also at high risk because they are dependent on others.

Overall, many homes in the Netherlands are reportedly not designed to withstand heat. Both older buildings and many newly built homes can reach unhealthy indoor temperatures. Jan Willem Erisman, chair of the Scientific Climate Council, said, "We build for winter, and not yet enough for summer.”