Climate change in Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services

In social services, health care and rescue services, climate work includes both combating and adapting to climate change.

In social and health services, it is essential that the health and safety of customers and staff can be ensured in all circumstances. The city prepares for extreme weather phenomena and related disturbances by increasing cooling in the premises and regularly updating response plans for various exceptional situations. In addition, climate change already brings with it well-being and health impacts that the health and social services must address.

The rescue services are responsible for protecting or saving human life or health, property or the environment, increasingly often in situations related to extreme weather phenomena. In addition, the rescue services support the self-preparedness of Helsinki residents and coordinates the city’s contingency planning and preparedness for serious disturbances.

The sector can reduce its climate emissions, in particular, through actions related to premises and mobility, as well as by exerting influence through procurement. For example, the passenger car fleet of the Home Care and Rescue Department has been systematically electrified.