Kenniscafé Leiden Healthy Society Center focuses on planetary health

The eighth Kenniscafé of the Leiden Healthy Society Center focused on the theme of planetary health. After all: who takes care of the planet that takes care of us? More than 60 professionals came together to share knowledge and experiences on topics such as heat stress, biodiversity, and urban green spaces. 

On behalf of the Medical Delta Living Lab 'Changemakers for Sustainable Healthcare', program leader Dr Kim Verhaegh (Leiden University of Applied Sciences & Alrijne Healthcare Group) was one of the speakers. Verhaegh guided participants through the effects of climate change on our health. Climate change leads to more health problems, which in turn increases the demand for healthcare and consequently its environmental impact. This creates a vicious cycle that needs to be broken. According to Verhaegh, one way to contribute to this is by integrating planetary health into healthcare, research, and education.

In the lead-up to the Kenniscafé, the Leiden Healthy Society Center interviewed Dr. Leontien van Wely, lecturer-researcher on the theme of 'planetary health' within the nursing leadership research group at Leiden University of Applied Sciences and Living Lab developer of the Medical Delta Living Lab 'Changemakers for Sustainable Healthcare'. In the interview, she discusses the interconnectedness of human health and the health of the planet, as well as the dual role of healthcare in this relationship.

Read the interview here (in Dutch): Kenniscafé: Planetaire gezondheid - Interview met Leontien van Wely - Leiden Healthy Society Center

The relationship between biodiversity and health

During the Kenniscafé, speaker Arjen Speksnijder presented his research on the relationship between biodiversity and the health of humans, animals, and plants. Using DNA techniques, biodiversity in our living environment is mapped. This makes it possible to identify which (micro)organisms are part of an ecosystem and what role they play in maintaining and restoring healthy environments.

Joeri Morpurgo highlighted the importance of urban green spaces. Green areas in cities help provide cooling during hot periods, absorb water, support biodiversity, and contribute to improved air quality. In this way, they play an important role in creating healthy and climate-resilient living environments.

Henk Rosendal explained the European project HOPE (Responding to Heatwaves in the Older People Ecosystem). This project focuses on the increasing health risks of heatwaves for older adults. European partners collaborate on knowledge exchange and practical tools, such as an e-learning program, to better prepare healthcare professionals, students, informal caregivers, and older people themselves for extreme heat.

After the plenary presentations, participants split into three interactive sessions on planetary health in education, a neighbourhood-based approach to heat stress, and the impact of greening measures on people with respiratory conditions and allergies.

Source: Leiden Healthy Society Center
Photo: Frank Hoyinck