On 21 May 2026, the Health Council of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Scientific Climate Council published their joint advisory report ‘Climate Change and Health: Directions for policy’. In the advice, both councils recommend for policies that reduce the increasing health risks due to climate change and ensure better preparedness for new risks in the future. The climate is changing, and faster than expected. Current policies do not provide sufficient protection for the population. The councils recommend starting with policies for groups of people that have difficulty avoiding or adapting to climate change. The Dutch Caribbean also deserves priority because the climate-related health risks are greater here.
Image: © Jeffrey Groeneweg/ANP