Climate Event 2025

We heard inspiring talks showcasing large, (inter)national programs pushing innovations for next gen solar cells with improved light management approaches; hydrogen tech for production, storage/transport, and use; the necessities for work force learning and upskilling for heat pump professionals; and concluded with a sharp discussion from Alliander about the harsh realities for grid modernization—but also what can be practically done as we move toward a more electrified society. See more at solarnl.eu, groenvermogennl.org, and utwente.nl/en/bms/plt/projects/currentprojects/heatcrafthp-a-workplace-learning-path-providing-core-knowledge-and-skills-to-heat-pump-professionals/

Starting off was Martijn Glass from the Top Consortium for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI). He gave a comprehensive look at how the Dutch Ministries and Top Sector are systematically tackling emissions reductions through incentive programs targeting industry, agriculture, transport, the urban environment, and electricity production. Next, we heard from the Port of Rotterdam, how they have evolved over the years, and the investments they are making to become CO2 neutral by 2050 looking at the energy and materials transition. Finally, we heard a no-nonsense perspective of climate actions that will actually work, from Michael Barnard of "The Future is Electric". He challenged the uses of hydrogen for energy, detailed why small modular nuclear reactors and some forms of carbon capture sequestration will not be relevant this century for climate targets, and encouraged pragmatic—though not always simple—approaches for further electrification (renewables overbuilding, super grids), agricultural practice changes, decarbonizing steel and concrete processes, planting (lots!) of trees, among other topics. You can find Barnard's full writeup along with a recording and Q&A at https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/13/the-short-list-of-climate-actions-that-will-work-2/

The session hosted by the Climate Centre’s coalition for Climate-proof agriculture explored new models for food production in a changing climate and the challenges of transitioning to sustainable regional food systems. Alberto Sturla of the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics presented Italy’s biodistricts – regional systems created 15 years ago to align local production with local demand, protect the environment, apply agroecological principles, use natural resources regeneratively, and support socially equitable food systems. Natascha Kooiman of the Dutch Food Transition Coalition discussed the protein transition through the lens of transition theory. She emphasized that reducing livestock numbers is key to addressing issues such as nitrogen pollution, land and water overuse, and biodiversity loss. While progress is being made with new protein products, she noted that governments must do more – such as phasing out subsidies for unsustainable production – to support the transition.

Organised by the Urban Adaptation Planning and Governance coalition, the session started with presentations from ongoing and recently completed projects that highlight urban climate adaptation, digitalisation, and citizen engagement. Through two interactive sessions, participants shared their experiences with digital tools for climate adaptation and ways to empower vulnerable groups. A reflective discussion took place on the term “vulnerable groups” and how to use more inclusive language. The session concluded with upcoming opportunities for collaboration, including workshops through the UT Climate Centre, and involvement in ongoing or planned research projects, and educational offers on digitalisation and adaptation.

The session organised by the Climate Centre’s coalition on drought and water scarcity focused on this phenomenom as a growing challenge, particularly in regions like Twente, and emphasized collaboration among government, businesses, and knowledge institutes. After an interactive start, presentations from Saxion, Province of Overijssel, Grolsch, and the University of Twente addressed challenges such as the global dimension of water, safeguarding water quality, business continuity, and cross-sector collaboration across sectors, governance levels and hydrological scales. A wide range of solutions was discussed, including water reduction, water reuse, policy instruments, physical sponge measures, and training young researchers. Building on the launch of the Water Resilience Initiative, the session concluded with a call to join forces to become the most water-resilient region of the Netherlands.

The UTwente Coalition for Disaster Resilience organized a session on how science can better support practice in addressing multiple and cascading climate-related hazards. Michiel Rhoen of the Safety Region Utrecht noted that local level authorities are having to respond to larger, more frequent climate events, while the carbon transition introduces new safety and firefighting challenges. Municipalities are responding by introducing more stress testing, identifying points of potential congestion and vulnerability, and understanding better the value of the community. Koen Wagelaar of the Municipality of Enschede demonstrated graphically the city’s exposure to floods, drought and heat, and described measures such as stricter 2050 building standards, more underground water storage, higher floor levels, and greener, less-paved public spaces. Saskia van Vuren of the Dutch National Delta Programme emphasized the urgency of adapting to growing threats from water shortages, heavy rainfall and floods. Existing protective structures are no longer sufficient; the Netherlands needs to make difficult decisions and invest a lot more in climate-proof construction, building on higher ground and developing new approaches to land use.

In the ensuing discussion with coalition members and the audience, a few areas where science can play a key role were identified: modeling the effects of various measures; understanding the value of community in response to disasters; and better approaches to ensuring challenges are handled in an integrated way since one solution can cause another problem. We also need to ensure that knowledge and data from science are reaching the people who need it.