Public Health - Planetary Health - Eco-health - Environment and Health - Climate change - Environmental change and mental wellbeing
Valesca Venhof MD, MSc PH
As a Medical Doctor, Public Health specialist and researcher, my specialization lies in the intricate nexus of Environment and Health.
I firmly believe that everything and everyone is interconnected and that we can only find solutions for the complex challenges we face, by respecting and integrating diverse perspectives.
About Valesca Venhof
Trained as a Medical Doctor with clinical expertise in Rehabilitation Medicine (currently non-practising), my work has entred on integrating active lifestyles, exercise, and sports into both treatment modalities and preventive healthcare. Building on this foundation, I have specialised in Public Health, with a focus on Environment and Health (LSHTM).
In recent years, my work has increasingly focused on research, advocacy and educational initiatives at the intersection of climate change and health, Planetary Health, and Eco-Health.
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Planetary Health at Maastricht University, the Netherlands, my dissertation titled Navigating the Storm: Towards Coexisting Ways of Knowing in Approaching Environmental Distress (expected completion: March 27, 2026) examines mental wellbeing in the context of environmental change. This research aims to bridge diverse perspectives, including Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science.
More details on the research, including a link to the underlying publications can be found under 'Posts,'
My beliefs
Holistic approach to wellbeing
The various aspects of a person's life, including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions, are interconnected. Instead of focusing solely on one aspect, such as physical health, a holistic approach recognizes that all these dimensions are interrelated and influence each other.
Planetary Health
Planetary Health is an integrative approach to health that recognises the interdependence of human well-being, the health of other species, and the integrity of Earth’s natural systems. It emphasises that human health cannot be considered in isolation from ecological, social, and climatic contexts, acknowledging the rights, roles, and intrinsic value of non-human life and the broader biosphere. Planetary health calls for solutions that sustain the resilience of both human and more-than-human life in the face of environmental change.
Diverse perspectives
To create a more comprehensive understanding of the complex problems we face as humanity, we need to embrace diverse perspectives and sources of knowledge.
Two eyed seeing
Two-Eyed Seeing, or ‘Etuaptmumk’ is a Mi’kmaq principle, rooted in the idea that no single worldview holds all the answers, and that meaningful understanding arises when we respectfully combine insights from different traditions (Bartlett, Marshall & Marshall, 2012).
Focus
- Public/Planetary health research
- Education (healthcare) professionals
- Health communication
- Patient education
- Publications for (non-peer reviewed) journals, or professional audiences
Skills
- Communication and writing
- Academic scientific research and writing
- Literature searching
- Professional ethics
- Medical terminology
What can I do for you?
Public/Planetary Health Consultancy, research and Word Smithing
As an independent Public Health Specialist and Researcher, I can offer expertise in Public/Planetary Health research, writing, assessments and strategic development.
I can help you in conducting thorough research, crafting effective health education and communication strategies, fostering collaboration and networking, and delivering comprehensive training sessions for healthcare professionals, community workers, and other stakeholders.
I’m a creative thinker who enjoys turning complex information into clear insights and pays close attention to detail when solving problems.
Need more information? Send me an e-mail or reach out via LinkedIn.
Posts
Interview about Ph.D. research.
What can we learn when different perspectives and ways of knowing are brought into conversation? What do Circumpolar Indigenous Sámi and Dutch young adults teach us about the interconnection between environmental change and mental wellbeing? And how can we better support young people as they face the realities of climate change?
Thank you, Maastricht University - Faculty of Science and Engineering for this interview about my Ph.D. research. My dissertation “Navigating the Storm: Towards Coexisting Ways of Knowing in Approaching Environmental Distress” will be defended on March 27, 2026!
Emotional Needs in the Face of Climate Change and Barriers for Pro-Environmental Behaviour in Dutch Young Adults.
Just published in IJERPH MDPI: New paper @Ph.D research Maastricht University. Together with Bertus Jeronimus, University of Groningen.
We explored Dutch young people’s (16-35; nationally representative sample, N=1,006) emotional responses to climate change, their perceived emotional and psychological needs arising from these experiences, and the barriers they encounter in engaging in pro-environmental behaviour.
Many participants reported worry and sadness, and about one third experienced feelings of powerlessness. At the same time, nearly half still expressed hope for the future and clearly articulated what they need: meaningful action, supportive structures, and motivating, constructive narratives.
Our findings highlight that climate-related emotions are not merely individual concerns, but a public health issue that calls for a multi-level public health response. Addressing emotional needs alongside structural barriers to sustainable action may strengthen young adults’ wellbeing and sense of agency, while supporting sustained engagement with climate solutions.
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