Health and well-being

Climate change can have an impact on the health of everyone in Belgium, but vulnerable groups are more exposed as climate risks intensify. Heat stress on the human body is a priority risk.

Climate change is having an increasingly direct impact on our health. In the years to come, it will have an impact on almost everyone in Belgium, even people in good health. Anyone can be bitten by a mosquito carrying a tropical disease. Similarly, no-one escapes the heat. "It not only causes deaths, but also sunstroke, insomnia and reduced productivity at school and at work," underlines Loïc Gillerot, health expert at Cerac.

But it is vulnerable groups that are most at risk. For example, in cities, around 14% of households, and up to 40% of the most vulnerable, are unable to keep their homes cool in summer. These homes are often poorly insulated and absorb more heat radiation.

Heat stress is the main health risk in Belgium

More than 1000 heat-related deaths are expected every year, even in a future scenario with limited warming. Those most at risk are pregnant women, the elderly, individuals suffering from chronic physical and psychological disorders, and people in precarious housing situations.

Our healthcare infrastructures could also be at risk. Nursing homes and hospitals are vulnerable to heatwaves and flooding, while the demand for care increases precisely when these climate events occur. Without adaptation, the care system risks coming under even greater pressure.

Risk of a rise in non-communicable diseases

Mental health is also at stake: extreme weather conditions will lead to more anxiety, depression and trauma. For example, the risk of suicide doubles in Brussels on the hottest days.

Similarly, very hot days intensify the effects of air pollution, an observable increase in exposure to UV rays is expected due to climate change, and pollen allergies will get worse.

Tropical disease epidemics increasingly likely

Belgium is increasingly becoming an ideal breeding ground for exotic mosquitoes, such as the tiger mosquito, which can transmit diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya. Small-scale epidemics of these diseases are likely in the short term.

Investments are needed to prepare Belgium: in care facilities that are climate-resilient, in urban greening, in early warning systems, and in a broader range of mental health care. A 'One Health' approach, i.e. one that sees humans, animals and the environment as a whole, will ensure greater coherence and more effective policy. In particular with regard to zoonoses and diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

For further information, please refer to chapter 3.4 of the report. You will find an overview of the risks for human health and population wellbeing. In chapter 7, you will find, among other things, an overview of our recommendations for health and wellbeing.

Also read the technical papers and summary sheets that discuss these risks (download below).