Knowledge agenda combines climate and public health research

ZonMw, the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, has set out what research must be done to assess public health risks connected to climate change and mitigation efforts.

The knowledge agenda launched by ZonMw on 27 May is unique, its authors say, because it not only addresses health issues related to climate change but also looks at the possible health risks of climate mitigation.

Most research on climate change focuses on ways of lowering greenhouse gas emissions, but related public health issues are rarely taken into consideration, the agenda says. It sets out the research needed to assess the health risks involved in short-term and long-term climate change and mitigation efforts, and which measures should be prioritised.