PhD defence E. (Esmée) Essers

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

This dissertation examines how ambient temperature during early life, from pregnancy to adolescence, affects human health. Drawing on data from three major European birth cohorts in the Netherlands, the UK, and Spain, the research explores the relationship between temperature exposure and health outcomes. It finds that exposure to cold and warm temperatures during early pregnancy influences embryonic and fetal development, with effects such as a smaller crown-rump length and changes in head circumference. During adolescence, temperature exposure affects mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Warmer temperatures encourage light to moderate physical activity but disrupt sleep health. Mental health effects varied for cold and warm temperature, and for psychiatric symptoms across cohorts. The findings suggest that early life is a critical period where temperature exposure can have health effects. These insights are crucial for informing public health policy, especially as climate change continues to impact our environment.