Tea is ready on a small table, and outside visitors can get coffee. Given the weather, both hot drinks come in useful. With the wind blowing constantly and the rain falling intermittently, it is clear that it is autumn.
Science in the Park was this weekend entirely focused on climate change, pollution and health. Academics from Erasmus MC and TU Delft gave lectures and walks on the theme ‘Healthy on Planet 010’ on Saturday and Sunday in Het Park by the Euromast.
Six people and a dog
Most seats remain empty at 10.00. Mellisa Sebastampillai’s first presentation of a series of three draws an audience of six people – and a dog.
The small four‑legged animal sits patiently next to its owner on the ground, waiting for the walk to continue. Apart from a soft squeak now and then and a cheerful wag of its tail, the animal gives little sign of its presence.
Misinformation versus disinformation
Being not very busy causes the 23‑year‑old Sebastampillai little concern. “The fewer people there are, the more direct the conversation you can have”, she says with a shrug. A small group of people does not mean it stays quiet. Her presentation, ‘Doctors against disinformation’, is a lively affair, with one question after another.
Sebastampillai begins her talk with a question to the audience: “Did any of you ever search your symptoms online?” The answer from the audience is a resounding ‘yes’. “Somewhere it is good that there is so much information to be found on the internet”, she continues, “but there are also downsides. Especially for people without a medical background.”
She explains that there is a clear difference between misinformation and disinformation. “Misinformation is information that is incorrect but is not spread on purpose, because the person spreading it themselves does not know the information is wrong. The spread of disinformation is deliberately caused, like the rumours about the corona jab.”
Norwegian Church
Not all presentations are held in the Park Pavilion. The Norwegian Seamen’s Church, by the entrance to Het Park, is also used to welcome visitors and speakers. Because, as Ada le Pair cheerfully states: “Everyone is welcome in the Norwegian Church.”
Le Pair, who has been a volunteer at the church for twenty years, stands behind the counter. In a cupboard behind her various Norwegian products are displayed. Passers‑by are warmly welcomed with an enthusiastic story about the history of the Norwegian Church and the products they sell.
Climate change and health
The 37‑year‑old Sophie Korenhof also speaks to a small group of six listeners. “The weather will not help”, she muses.
‘Greening healthcare’ is the theme of Korenhof’s presentation. The link between climate problems and possible improvements in healthcare may seem far‑fetched, but Korenhof explains that they are closely intertwined: “Climate change and health have a lot to do with each other, especially when we look at the effect of climate change on health. When warm periods last longer, plants that produce pollen often flower for a longer time. People with hay fever can then suffer from that pollen for a longer period.”
“We have to do something”, she tells the audience in a clear voice, “but we can also do something.” The rest of her presentation deals with possible ways to green healthcare, such as more digital care, so that not every patient has to visit the care provider in person each time. This can help prevent a large part of greenhouse gas emissions.
