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Derk Loorbach

Climate change demands system change Derk Loorbach speaks at Climate Event

On Tuesday, November 5, the University of Twente’s Climate Centre held its first Climate Event — an inspiring gathering for researchers, professionals, policymakers, and students ready to collaborate on tackling climate change. Derk Loorbach, the recently appointed scientific lead for the Dutch Climate Research Initiative Netherlands (KIN), was one of the keynote speakers.

While technological innovation is important, Loorbach emphasised that genuine change also requires addressing the deeper socio-economic structures driving climate issues. He explained that many technological and economic researchers are locked into a growth model. “A lot of what we now call sustainability revolves around finding ways to extend current practices with minor adjustments,” he said. “This approach just sustains our unsustainable business as usual.”

Social-Techno-Geo approach

Loorbach advocated for reversing the traditional approach in climate research, suggesting that social scientific insights should lead the way, with technological and economic innovations following. He referred to the Climate Centre’s ‘geo-techno-social’ approach. “I think ‘social’ should come first. It’s time for social research to take the lead. But to make that happen, social sciences themselves must also adapt.”

Currently, he noted, social sciences mainly provide interpretation and advice when they should be helping set the conditions needed to move beyond the growth model. “The Climate Centre’s integration of social sciences in its geo-techno-social approach is a great step forward,” he said.

Loorbach used agriculture as an example of an industry trapped in the growth model. “There’s a significant investment in machinery to maximise output, yet organic farming receives little support for innovations like robotics,” he explained. He stressed that such structural choices demand a genuine conversation about what sustainable production truly means.

Space for dialogue

To bring about such changes, it’s essential to create spaces for honest conversations. “The University of Twente’s Climate Centre provides room for dialogue, which is exactly what we need—to confront tensions and address them,” he said. When Extinction Rebellion protested Tata Steel’s participation in the event due to its polluting practices, Loorbach noted that such tension adds value to the discussion. “It brings a necessary dynamic to the conversation, and the organisers handled it well,” he added.

Loorbach also emphasised that the necessary transition requires new forms of collaboration and a reimagined funding system that allows scientists the time to implement their knowledge without jeopardising their careers. “Within the Dutch Climate Research Initiative, we want to create this space for researchers, so they can engage in inter- and transdisciplinary partnerships and make a real impact on society,” he said.

Climate Centre

The Climate Centre’s mission is to empower students, staff, and society to maximise their impact on global climate challenges. Its goal is to elevate and connect the University of Twente’s expertise in climate-related research and education. The annual Climate Event plays a key role by bringing together diverse stakeholders and spotlighting ideas that go beyond technological fixes.

K.W. Wesselink - Schram MSc (Kees)
Science Communication Officer (available Mon-Fri)