References mentioned during the webinar

• W. Steffen, W. Broadgate, L. Deutsch, O. Gaffney, C. Ludwig, The trajectory of the Anthropocene: The Great Acceleration. Anthr. Rev. 2, 81–98 (2015).
• H. D. Matthews et al., An integrated approach to quantifying uncertainties in the remaining carbon budget. Commun. Earth Environ., 1–11 (2020).
• McKinsey Global Institute. Global Energy Perspective 2019 : Reference Case. Energy Insights (2019).
• W. Steffen et al., Trajectories of the Earth System in the Anthropocene. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 115, 8252–8259 (2018).
• B. R. Jasny, Science (80-)., (2018) doi:10.1126/science.360.6393.1082-d.
• Oxfam report: There have been a number of updates on this report since. For example: https://oxfamapps.org/media/press_release/carbon-emissions-of-richest-1-more-than-double-those-of-poorest-half-of-the-world-oxfam/
• For rapid birth rate reductions see: https://www.economist.com/international/2019/02/02/thanks-to-education-global-fertility-could-fall-faster-than-expected
• G. J. Kramer, M. Haigh, No quick switch to low-carbon energy. Nature. 462, 568–9 (2009).
• C. Wilson et al., Granular technologies to accelerate decarbonization. Science (80-. ). 368, 36–39 (2020).
• P. Marbaix et al., Burning embers: towards more transparent and robust climate-change risk assessments. Nat. Rev. Earth Environ. 1 (2020), doi:10.1038/s43017-020-0088-0.
• C. Mora et al., Broad threat to humanity from cumulative climate hazards intensified by greenhouse gas emissions. Nat. Clim. Chang. 8, 1062–1071 (2018).
• F. C. Moore, N. Obradovich, F. Lehner, P. Baylis, Rapidly declining remarkability of temperature anomalies may obscure public perception of climate change. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 116, 4905–4910 (2019).
• Williams, J. H. et al. Carbon‐Neutral Pathways for the United States. AGU Adv. 2, (2021).

In the second webinar of this series, we hand the floor to Jaap van der Stel, who is a Lector at the Hogeschool Leiden. He will discuss the topic 'Focus on climate crisis requires attention to our mental health'.

Abstract

In my webinar, I will review recent social scientific evidence on the topic of effective climate communication. How best to move citizens from awareness to action? What kind of language should one use? Is fear an effective motivator for change or not? And: how to combat climate change misinformation and have a conversations with climate sceptics on social media? I look forward to seeing you and answering your questions during the Q&A.

Speaker

Dr Christel van Eck works as an assistant professor at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (UvA). Broadly, her research focuses on climate change communication, and more specifically on the role of online media in climate change communication and polarization. In addition, Christel is passionate about bridging science and practice. She is co-host to the podcast A Cup of Climate, which is about translating communication science on climate change into practice.

Abstract

The history of protest is rich and proves to be inspiring to current generations of activists. As a historian of protest movements in the 19th and 20th century, Maartje Janse discusses what climate activists today can learn from activists that went before them. Drawing on examples of a wide range of movements, including the anti-slavery movement and temperance movement. This crisis is different, and the protest repertoire sometimes seems insufficient in the light of the fundamental challenges we face today. On the other hand, activism is ultimately a statement of hope, and of a stubborn refusal to give up.

Speaker

Maartje Janse is an associate professor of Dutch history at the Institute for History at Leiden University. She is a specialist in the field of political culture, especially of the long 19th century. She has published extensively on popular participation in politics, social movements and protest repertoires. Her study on Dutch single-issue organizations was published as De afschaffers. Publieke opinie, organisatie en politiek in Nederland, 1840-1880. She is currently working on a transnational study of the birth of the modern pressure group, c. 1820-1850.

Moderation of the Q&A was hosted by Amarins Jansma (Utrecht University).

Abstract

The crises that characterize the era that we have started to call the Anthropocene demand a fundamental reflection on the position that we humans have taken on this planet. Many philosophers claim that our view of nature as a storehouse of goods and services and space that can be colonized needs to change radically in order to create a truly sustainable future for humanity. The French philosopher Michel Serres proposes a ‘nature contract’ in which we approach nature as a subject with own rights. When nature would move from a position of object to subject, what are the implications for science?

Speaker

Matthijs Schouten is an ecologist, philosopher and buddhist and is interested in the role that nature plays in human thought. Matthijs currently works at Staatsbosbeheer and is professor of Nature and landscape conservation at University College Cork and University College Galway (Ireland). He is emeritus professor of Nature conservation and plant ecology at the University of Wageningen. Matthijs is author of the book "Spiegel van de Natuur: Het Natuurbeeld in Cultuurhistorisch Perspectief" (Nature’s Mirror: the Image of Nature in Cultural-Historical Perspective).

Abstract

Climate change and the destruction of nature threaten the breakdown of planetary systems, the extinction of a million species and the collapse of human civilisation, a situation widely described as a planetary emergency. An emergency is an urgent and dangerous situation requiring us to focus our attentions on the problem at hand, yet most researchers and scientific institutions continue as normal, in the belief that simply providing more information will somehow lead to the required transformations in our societies and economies. However, this theory of change in naive because governmental decisions are not influenced primarily by evidence but by corporate lobbying and public opinion. In this talk, Dr Gardner makes the case that those with the greatest understanding of the emergency, such as scientists, have a moral obligation to step beyond their research and additionally engage in practices that have greater potential to bring about change, in particular by joining and supporting non-violent civil resistance movements.

Speaker

Dr Charlie Gardner is a conservationist and activist with a particular interest in the intersection of the climate and ecological crises. He is an Associate Senior Lecturer at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (University of Kent), and spokesperson with Scientist Rebellion and Scientists for Extinction Rebellion.

Abstract

High-performance computer use continues to increase in science, and so also its impact on the environment. To minimize the effects, scientists should avoid interpreted scripting languages such as Python, and favor the optimal use of energy-efficient workstations.

Speaker

Simon Portegies Zwart leads the interdisciplinary research team on Computational Astrophysics at Leiden Observatory. His main objective is to understand the universe by simulation and to develop the necessary algorithms and tools. This includes running on cheap graphical processing units, but also on the largest computers in the Solar system. He is concerned about the impact his research has on the environment and realizes very well that so far we know, Earth is the only habitable planet in the Galaxy.

Abstract

There are four interrelated justice issues with respect to climate change. First, at what level should climate change be stabilized and is action commensurate with that level? Second, how has fossil fuel resource use been distributed between countries? Third, how are fossil fuel assets being distributed? And finally, how are adaptation costs being distributed? This presentation focuses on the (a) challenges in setting a planetary boundary for climate change and the way in which responsibilities for achieving this boundary were defined; (b) the challenges with respect to resource use, and (c) emerging challenges on stranded assets; and (d) the challenges with adaptation. It then argues that while governments have sought to address the problem of climate change using cost-effective, technological and efficient market based approaches, without an equitable approach, it is unlikely that the climate change problem will be addressed.

Speaker

Joyeeta Gupta is professor of environment and development in the global south at the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research of the University of Amsterdam and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. She is the Principal Investigator on the ERC Advanced grant project: CLIFF: Climate Change and Fossil Fuels. Gupta is also the Faculty Professor on Sustainability (2019-2024) and leads the programme group on Governance and Inclusive Development. She is co-chair of the Earth Commission (2019-2022) set up by Future Earth, the Global Commons Alliance and supported by the Global Challenges Foundation, together with Johan Rockström and Dahe Qin. Gupta was co-chair of UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook-6, was member of the Advisory Council on International Affairs of the Netherlands Government, and is on the Supervisory Boards of KIT and SNV.

Abstract

This talk discusses some of the social causes of climate change and what we can do to address them. It looks at how our current economic system id driving the climate crisis; why our economic and political systems are failing to address it; and what we need to do to change that.

Speaker

Paul Raekstad is an Assistant Professor at the University of Amsterdam, working on radical political theory connected to social movements. They work broadly on radical political theory connected to social movements.

Abstract

In this talk, I will argue that endless growth is incompatible with a finite planet and that green growth does not resolve this incompatibility. The growth-based system, green or otherwise, becomes exceedingly exploitative in the face of ecological limits. The changes needed therefore include a shrinking of oversized and exploitative economies so as to redistribute resources and therefore create abundance where people have been robbed of it.

Speaker

Dr. Crelis Rammelt is an assistant professor in environmental geography and development studies at the University of Amsterdam. His research and teaching focus on forging links across disciplinary divides—mostly in the areas of political ecology, post-development, degrowth and systems science. Crelis has also been involved in establishing the Dutch degrowth platform Ontgroei.

Abstract

Degrowth is sometimes associated with regression and austerity, with ‘consuminderen’ and tightening the belt. Following this logic, degrowth doesn’t bring wellbeing, but constitutes a sacrifice that we (might) make for the environment. This lecture seeks to offer an alternative account by exploring degrowth approaches the subject of societal wellbeing. First, I critically examine how advocates of economic growth envision and propose to generate wellbeing. In a second step, I introduce five alternative proposals that align with degrowth thinking. I hope I can convincingly show that less can indeed be more. To generate a societal transition towards less, however, we need to think degrowth beyond ‘consuminderen’ and dare to realize broad scale institutional changes. Whether or not we can make these changes in time will hinge on how effective we are in building a diverse and democratic social movement for degrowth.

Speaker

Miriam Meissner is Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University. Her work mixes social sciences and humanities approaches to explore the interrelations between cities, creativity, political economy and the environment. In particular, it examines how contemporary urban, lifestyle and activist culture mediate and politicize macro-economic and -ecological processes – such as financialization, economic growth, and the climate/biodiversity crisis. Miriam is part of the Dutch degrowth network ontgroei and currently completing a NWO-funded research project on minimalist lifestyles and degrowth.

Abstract

Degrowth speaks to the primary contradictions of our time: ecological overshoot, social shortfall, capital accumulation. But how does it approach policy-making? This episode explores the current state of degrowth policy proposals and how their key features fit the context of public policy design and transition strategies. Check out the open access paper here.

Speaker

Nick is a cycling and train lover who lives in a van. He holds a BSc in Environmental Science, MSc in Geology (Ice & Climate), and is a PhD Candidate in Environment & Sustainability at Nova University Lisbon, Portugal. Nick’s PhD research focuses on untangling the relationship between power, politics, and practice of degrowth. Previously, Nick has been a speechwriter for Pope Francis, taught political economy at CEMUS, and was a youth negotiator at the UNFCCC.

Panel discussion

This concluding panel discussion will sketch the profile and stepstones for a degrowth agenda in the Netherlands. What does degrowth mean for a country with such a large economy and dramatic ecological overshoot? What are the sectors that must degrowth? What added value would a degrowth agenda have for the wellbeing of the people in the Netherlands and beyond? Which political strategies, social movements or coalitions are necessary to reach that agenda?

• Faiza Oulahsen is department head Climate & Energy at Greenpeace Netherlands. She has broad experience in campaigning and was part of the ‘Arctic 30’ that were jailed in Russia in 2013

• Felix van Hoften is economist and lecturer of future economics at Hogeschool Rotterdam. He is author of the book ‘De golven en de Kaap: Op avontuur om de wereld te verbeteren’.

• Paul Schenderling is economist and advisor at Berenschot consultants. He is founder of the Postgroei network and main author of the book ‘Er is leven na de groei’.

The panel was moderated by Federico Savini, associate professor in Environmental Planning, Institutions and Politics at UvA.

Abstract

In November 2022, the Netherlands became the 6th country in the world with a concrete plan to reduce the use of the fossil material peat in horticulture. In this webinar, we’ll discuss how this happened and what we can learn from this story. These take home messages should also apply to other projects beyond the world of horticulture.

Topics covered by this webinar:

• What’s the problem with peat extraction?
• How to tell this story to different audiences? Which of the arguments will catch on with which target audience?
• What’s happening internationally? Which cultural and political differences influence the success chances of different approaches?
• Top-down or bottom-up? How can you achieve more impact?

Speaker

Philipp is the co-founder of Stichting Turfvrij, an NGO which uses science communication to enact real world impact. A chemist by training, he earns his money with NaturalScience.Careers, which offers workshops and talks for scientists.

Abstract

De huidige opwarming wordt voor het grootste deel veroorzaakt door de menselijke uitstoot van broeikasgassen als CO2 en methaan. Ze zijn het afvalproduct van de winning en de verbranding van fossiele brandstoffen, en van de intensieve veehouderij. Maar wat zijn broeikasgassen precies, hoe werken ze? Hoe weten we zo zeker dat de huidige opwarming niet natuurlijk is? En wat veroorzaakt dan de natuurlijke uitstoot en opname van broeikasgassen? In dit webinar kom je alles te weten over broeikasgassen, het broeikaseffect, en de menselijke uitstoot ervan.

Spreker

Het webinar wordt gegeven door Peter Kuipers Munneke (1980). Hij is klimaatonderzoeker aan de Universiteit Utrecht en houdt zich bezig met ijskappen en de zeespiegel. Ook vindt hij het belangrijk om kennis over klimaat te delen met een breed publiek. Hij schreef daarom het boek Alles Smelt, presenteert een podcast over het weer, is columnist voor NRC, en geeft vaak lezingen. Daarnaast werkt hij sinds 2013 als weerman bij de NOS, waar hij zorgt voor weerberichten op radio, tv en internet.

Over de webinarreeks

Kennismaken met Klimaatkunde is een 5-delige webinarreeks over het klimaatsysteem en de natuurkunde erachter. De reeks richt zich op het bredere publiek (docenten, scholieren, politici) en ook op mede-academici die meer willen leren over het klimaatsysteem.

Kennismaken met Klimaatkunde wordt georganiseerd door Scientists for Future NL, een coalitie van bezorgde wetenschappers.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to join, please send us an email to get the link.

Het grote ijs - hoe beïnvloedt de opwarming van de aarde de gletsjers and ijskappen op Groenland en van Antarctica?

Spreker

Het webinar wordt gegeven door Michiel van den Broeke. Hij is meteoroloog aan de Universiteit Utrecht en houdt zich bezig met gletsjers en ijskappen. Lees hier meer over Michiel van den Broeke.

Over de webinarreeks

Kennismaken met Klimaatkunde is een 5-delige webinarreeks over het klimaatsysteem en de natuurkunde erachter. De reeks richt zich op het bredere publiek (docenten, scholieren, politici) en ook op mede-academici die meer willen leren over het klimaatsysteem.

Kennismaken met Klimaatkunde wordt georganiseerd door Scientists for Future NL, een coalitie van bezorgde wetenschappers.

Dit is een online vergadering. Als je mee wilt doen, stuur ons dan een e-mail email om de link te krijgen.

Klimaatonderzoek bestrijkt vaak grote tijdsvakken, maar de effecten van de klimaatcrisis zien we ook terug in ons dagelijkse leven. Hoe zien we ons dagelijkse weer veranderen, en wat wordt er bedoeld met weerextremen? Hoe meten we dit, en wat zijn de gevolgen van al deze veranderingen? In dit webinar leer je alles over het Nederlandse weer nu en in de toekomst, en welke eventuele weerextremen we kunnen verwachten.

Spreker

Het webinar wordt gegeven door Karin van der Wiel. Zij is onderzoeker bij het KNMI en richt zich op klimaatmodellen en weerextremen. Lees meer op http://www.karinvanderwiel.nl/.

Over de webinarreeks

Kennismaken met Klimaatkunde is een 5-delige webinarreeks over het klimaatsysteem en de natuurkunde erachter. De reeks richt zich op het bredere publiek (docenten, scholieren, politici) en ook op mede-academici die meer willen leren over het klimaatsysteem.

Kennismaken met Klimaatkunde wordt georganiseerd door Scientists for Future NL, een coalitie van bezorgde wetenschappers.

Zeespiegelstijging is voor Nederland een van de belangrijkste gevolgen van klimaatverandering. Aan de hand van resultaten van het meest recente IPCC rapport neem ik jullie mee in een inleiding op de zeespiegelwetenschap. Hoe weten we dat de zeespiegel stijgt? Welke processen zijn er verantwoordelijk voor zeespiegelstijging? En wat zijn de projecties voor toekomstige veranderingen?

Spreker

Dr. Aimée Slangen is senior onderzoeker bij het Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut voor Onderzoek der Zee (NIOZ) in Yerseke. Haar onderzoek is gericht op zeespiegelverandering, zowel in de open oceaan als in de interactie met de kust. Met haar onderzoeksgroep probeert zij meer begrip te krijgen van zeespiegelstijging in het verleden, en betere projecties te maken voor de toekomst. Zij is hoofdauteur van het IPCC AR6 rapport voor hoofdstuk 9 over oceanen, cryosfeer en zeespiegelstijging.

Over de webinarreeks

Kennismaken met Klimaatkunde is een 5-delige webinarreeks over het klimaatsysteem en de natuurkunde erachter. De reeks richt zich op het bredere publiek (docenten, scholieren, politici) en ook op mede-academici die meer willen leren over het klimaatsysteem.

Kennismaken met Klimaatkunde wordt georganiseerd door Scientists for Future NL, een coalitie van bezorgde wetenschappers.

Dit is een online vergadering. Als je mee wilt doen, stuur ons dan een e-mail email om de link te krijgen.

Dit is een online vergadering. Als je mee wilt doen, stuur ons dan een e-mail email om de link te krijgen.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to join, please send us an email to get the link.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to join, please send us an email to get the link.

Dit is een online vergadering. Als je mee wilt doen, stuur ons dan een e-mail email om de link te krijgen.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link.

"This is an online meeting. If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link."

This is an online meeting. If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link.

If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link.

If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email.

This is an online meeting. If you would like to participate, please send us an email at email to receive the link.

Webinar in Dutch about the book 40 stellingen over de wetenschap.

The announced budget cuts of more than one billion euro will affect sustainability education, research and the energy transition of our universities. Together with the cuts to public broadcasting and tax increases on books and newspapers, the cuts raise concern about the future of our democracy. You can sign a petition against the budget cuts here.

In addition, you can team up with your colleagues and join the protest march in Utrecht on 14 November, from Moreelsepark to Domplein. The march, which takes from 13:00 to 15:00, is organised by WO in Actie and the labour unions AOb and FNV. Scientists for Future NL will be there too, so you can join us in Utrecht.

Would you like to find out more about Scientists for Future NL? Join our meet-and-greet on Tuesday 19 November at noon. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the meeting.