Flanders recruits 'climate doctor' to tackle medical consequences of climate change
The Flemish government is recruiting its first "climate doctor", to prepare the region for the medical consequences of climate change, Het Nieuwsblad reports on Monday.
The role will include refining the existing Heat Action Plan, which is activated during a heat wave. It will also look at other consequences of climate change through a medical lens, such as the increase in tick bites, pollen allergies and the introduction of exotic animals such as the tiger mosquito.
"As a climate doctor, you contribute to the prevention and early detection of environmental health damage in Flanders," the job advertisement published by the Department of Health says. "You will look at climate policy from a medical point of view and help develop prevention strategies to make both health systems and the general population more resilient to climate stressors."
Mental health impact
The role will also look at the impact of extreme weather events in the broadest sense. "Droughts, severe storms and rainfall will take their toll, and will also lead to an increased risk of mental health problems," the Department of Health says in a preliminary report on the strategic plan for environmental health. The climate doctor will also monitor the implementation of the Flemish climate health plan.
Only doctors with a master's degree are eligible. Those who wish to apply can do so via the Flemish government's website until 11 August.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO LOIC VENANCE / AFP
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