HomeNewsClimate exam at UT: test your climate knowledge on May 21

Climate exam at UT: test your climate knowledge on May 21

Although climate change does not dominate the political agenda, its negative effects are felt worldwide every day. At the same time, reliable knowledge about the issue cannot be taken for granted. That is why a climate exam will be organised at the UT on the afternoon of Thursday, May 21, starting at 1:00 PM, where you can test and deepen your knowledge.

After the exam, you are warmly invited to share your own ideas with staff members of the SEE program (Sustainability, Energy & Environment) and engage in discussion together. We will wrap up at 5:00 PM; participants are welcome to stay afterwards to continue the conversation and exchange ideas for improvements and initiatives at UT.

The local edition is part of the nationwide National Climate Exam, taking place from May 8 to 29, 2026. Across the country, schools, municipalities, companies, and civil society organisations are organising their own events.

Insight into climate knowledge and practical action

What role does deforestation play in climate change? Why have China’s CO₂ emissions tripled? And what helps reduce heat stress in cities? These are examples of questions participants can expect.

The content of the climate exam is compiled annually by an independent examination committee consisting of experts from universities and research institutions, including the KNMI and Utrecht University. The questions are current, factual, and based on the latest scientific insights. The climate quiz is derived from the climate exam.

The aim is threefold: to increase climate knowledge, provide insight into choices that contribute to solutions, and draw attention to the generation currently taking final exams. In this way, the climate exam emphasises the importance of their future.

Climate exam (individual, in-depth content)

Participants complete the exam individually and gain insight into their own level of knowledge. The exam is intended for anyone who wants to better understand climate change and possible solutions.

Successful national edition

The previous edition in 2025 attracted more than 20,000 participants and was organised at 123 locations across the Netherlands. With more than 90 registrations so far, this year’s interest also appears to be widely shared. In addition to Enschede (UT and Saxion), you can also take the climate exam in Almelo (Town Hall), Borne (Kulturhus), or Deventer (Saxion).

“An effective approach to climate change begins with good information. The climate exam and climate quiz show what we know about the current state of the climate crisis and which solutions people can apply themselves,” says Joost Brinkman, initiator of the climate exam.

From awareness to action

Although climate change is becoming increasingly visible, the step from awareness to action often remains significant. Initiatives such as the climate exam and climate quiz help bridge that gap by making knowledge concrete and actionable.

Practical information

Location: University of Twente, De Spiegel building, room 7 (SP7)
Date and time: May 21, 1:00 PM–5:30 PM
Registration: https://klimaatexamen.nl/enschede-gebouw-de-spiegel
Who is it for: Everyone, from interested students or staff members to residents.

drs. J.G.M. van den Elshout (Janneke)
Press relations