Leonie Dorresteijn

💡 Two reports about climate change in the Netherlands came out last week. One focused on behaviour change, the other on technological change - but if tech doesn't appeal to people, they probably won’t adopt it and may actually end up protesting, which will ultimately inhibit implementation. The report from the PBL (PBL Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving), or Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency as it’s known in English, carefully mapped out 30 different scenarios for how the Netherlands can become climate neutral by the year 2050 through scaling up technological solutions. The PBL report, “Pathway exploration climate neutral 2050: Pathways to a climate neutral society for the Netherlands in 2050”, focused on achieving #climateneutral status for the Netherlands through technological changes to the electricity and heat supply, as well as the production and use of fuel and raw materials. The technological changes which the PBL investigated often treat it as a given that technological advances will be used on a wide scale. But if new or developing tech fails to appeal to people, they probably won’t adopt it and may actually end up protesting, which will ultimately inhibit implementation. Assuming that population and economic growth remain moderate and that consumer behaviour remains roughly the same, “it is still very uncertain whether climate neutrality can be achieved in 2050 [through technology alone].” The report summary acknowledges that “the behavior of consumers, businesses and governments”, among others, also “play an important role” in a “transition to climate neutrality.” However, the report states that behaviour change is not addressed in detail in the study, saying that their findings “can provide a starting point for follow-up studies that address these issues.”  Even though it is only mentioned in passing, the necessity of behaviour change is still evident in the report: “Lifestyle changes that reduce energy and resource consumption to levels lower than those assumed in this study could significantly contribute to a successful transition.” In an interview about the report with Dutch newspaper NRC, PBL director Marko Hekkert also spoke about the importance of behaviour change. “It is a political choice [to ask Dutch people to change their behavior], but it would make the transition a lot cheaper.” Another report which came out in late April, by comparison, focused directly on the role of pro-environmental behaviour change. The SCP (The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), explored Dutch people’s current pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours, and why they matter so much to a climate neutrality strategy. Want to read what Environmental Psychology has to say about it? Read full the blog post on our site! https://lnkd.in/djgeCpBP #environmentalpsychology University of Groningen Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences - University of Groningen

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Triodos Bank and Triodos Investment Management - together with 160 other financial institutions representing 15.5 USD trillion combined assets- are calling for an ambitious international treaty to end plastic pollution by backing the Finance Statement on Plastic Pollution. #PlasticPollution exacerbates the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, with plastic projected to double and account for 15% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By signing the Finance Statement on Plastic Pollution, we are calling on governments for an ambitious international treaty to end plastic pollution ahead of the fourth round of international negotiations (#INC4) taking place next week in Canada. A reduction in our economy’s reliance on single-use plastics translates into a reduction of the environmental and public health toll of plastic production, waste management, and pollution throughout plastic supply chains. #BeatPlasticPollution https://lnkd.in/eFCC98rF

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Ready for another update on the latest sustainability news? Norselab’s latest #ImpactInsights is just out. The 16th edition is curated by our impact analyst, Christiaan Griffejoen. 🌱 🛢️ A new UCL report reveals that current fossil fuel production is more than enough to meet global energy demands while delivering on international climate targets. 💸 According to the Financial Times, the global shift to green energy is set to cost US $9 trillion, but who will pay the bill remains an unanswered question. 👻 Shell has sold millions of «phantom» carbon credits based on emissions savings that -actually- never happened. 💼 Deloitte’s 2024 ESG in M&A Trends Survey shows that understanding ESG’s impact on deal valuations has made it a key part of M&A strategies. The survey reports that 70% of companies have abandoned acquisitions due to ESG concerns. 📦 A study revealed that the global energy transition could make a significant portion of the shipping industry obsolete, leading to numerous "ghost ships". Read the full article below 👇 https://lnkd.in/dy3FTPuN Christiaan Griffejoen - Oda Standal - Inès van Tol - Maria de Perlinghi #Norselab #ImpactInvesting #SustainabilityNews #Meaningfulness 

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Triodos Bank is stepping up for nature with a bold €500M commitment to nature-based solutions by 2030! 🌱 From restoring ecosystems to mitigating CO2 emissions, their investments aim to deliver real societal and environmental benefits. Starting in 2026, Triodos will report the biodiversity impact of its projects, actively engage companies to curb deforestation risks, and set KPIs for agriculture and urban areas. 🗣 As Jacco Minnaar, CCO, states: “Investing in nature-based solutions is crucial for restoring our natural environment and mitigating the effects of the climate crisis.” 💡 What’s your take on the role of sustainable finance in addressing biodiversity loss? Let’s discuss below! 👇 #Biodiversity #NatureBasedSolutions #SustainableFinance #ClimateAction

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Netherlands-based Triodos Bank announced on Tuesday it is committing $527 million (€500 million) to nature-based solutions by 2030 as part of its strategy to enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and support societal well-being. https://bit.ly/3Z0BB0F

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If you haven't yet come across Loes van Dijk and Climate Court, here's your nudge. #ClimateLitigation used to sound boring, but now... we all know that this is where some incredible #ClimateInfluence can happen. Making sure my amazing #ClimatePolicy friends, Catherine Atkin and Michael Schmitz, connect with Loes. #law #legal #policy #climateaction

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✉️ We sent an open letter to Wopke Hoekstra with a simple request: don't bring fossil fuel lobbyists to the COP this time. Together with 111 other organisations we sent a letter to the European Climate Commissioner to highlight the outsized influence of the fossil fuel industry on climate policy discussions. Our call in a nutshell 🥜 1️⃣ Fossil fuel interests are not just invited to the table, they dominate the climate conversation. 2️⃣ Last year, the EU and its member states brought more than 130 fossil fuel lobbyists to COP28 as part of their delegations, seriously undermining its credibility. Hoekstra's own team at the European Commission brought senior executives from BP and Eni to the talks, as well as ExxonMobil's chief lobbyist in Brussels. 3️⃣ It is no more reasonable to ask ExxonMobil and BP how to phase out fossil fuels than it is to ask Phillip Morris how to stop smoking. But we have rules protecting decision makers from the tobacco lobby. Similar rules should apply to the fossil fuel industry. That is why we are calling for a pledge not to allow fossil fuel executives or lobbyists to register for UN climate talks or invite them to speak at events. Read the full letter here: https://lnkd.in/euXqTZKA #FossilFreePolitics

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Want to invest in climate technology?! Want to scale your climate tech biz?! Then, you'll want to listen to the latest episode of the #climatetechspotlight podcast, in which I spoke with Bas Van Den Brande, Country Manager of Carbon Equity. Link in the comments to listen. Let us know what you think? #climatetech #renewables

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Earth Day makes us think about how to incorporate climate action into day-to-day life… 💭🌎 One easy way to do it: using a credit card that drives positive climate impact with every swipe. 💳 With a Klutch credit card, you can use the Nori Climate Impact MiniApp to fund carbon removal and help mitigate climate change with every transaction. Here’s how it works: 1. Get a Klutch card and activate the Nori Climate Impact MiniApp 2. Fund regenerative farmers removing CO2 from the atmosphere every time you pay with Klutch 3. Track your impact and the regenerative agriculture projects you’ve supported in the Klutch app With every payment, you’ll be funding regenerative agriculture, soil restoration, and carbon removal to build a better future for our planet. Plus, you’ll get unique carbon removal certificates that transparently track the projects you’re supporting. Want to start making a positive climate impact? Learn more and sign up for the card here: https://lnkd.in/gY-jqu9i

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The biggest motivation to work with waste by Tynke van den Heuvel from Studio Wae 💪 What I've learned so far from these last seven months documenting the stories of waste alchemists is that it is tough. It is tough to work towards a circular economy when our current society is still deeply rooted in linear approaches and mindsets. So every waste alchemist is confronted with tons of social, logistical, financial and other obstacles which requires a lot of determination, perseverance, and lots of motivation. And this is something that Tynke definitely has enough of as you can see in this interview snippet!

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🚨 Shell’s Landmark Emissions Case: Implications for Climate Strategy 🚨 A major legal development today; #Shell has won their appeal in reversing the 2021 ruling in which they were ordered to cut their carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, in order to protect Dutch citizens. This comes just months after Shell weakened a 2030 carbon reduction target and scrapped a 2035 objective, citing expectations for strong gas demand and uncertainty in the #energy transition.   This highlights the ongoing debate between corporate climate commitments and legal mandates and raises some critical questions: ➡ What does this mean for future emissions legislation? ➡ How will energy companies balance their legal obligations with global sustainability goals? ➡ How do businesses and policymakers build sustainable pathways amid regulatory challenges. ➡ Should courts have the power to mandate emissions reductions on global companies? ➡ Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eybcXRek. Love to hear your views below #ClimateCrisis  #SustainabilityRegulation  #COP29  

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Phoebe, Tom, and Penny launched our latest research yesterday to a virtual discussion of 35+ sustainability leaders, provocatively asking 'Is sustainability reporting dead?' 💀 The answer is a bit more nuanced - obviously - but their view is that CSRD is evidently transforming the reporting landscape. They've spend time looking at early disclosers, and thinking through the implications for sustainability communications in a CSRD dominated world 🔎 Have a read through their thoughts, ranging from the complications of over-disclosing ESG-related risks compared to non ESG-related risks through to how to separate out a genuine sustainability narrative from the strictures of the structures of the ESRS: ➡ On their feeds, Phoebe / Tom ➡ And on the longer form article, which also has all the content presented at the virtual session available for download: https://lnkd.in/eiDD369e 😍 A big thank you to everyone who took the time to join us!

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Methane is well known for coming from ruminants digestive system. What is less known is its important role in current climate change and what we could do to drastically reduce our emissions. Thomas Roeckmann of Utrecht University (Institute for Marine and Atmospheric research Utrecht) and Malika Menoud of UVSQ Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines wrote an article on this subject which is published in The Conversation. Read their article: https://lnkd.in/dCTj3GxG #uuscience #creativecommons #methane #climate #IMAU

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Four circular economy strategies in Amsterdam: Emissions savings match 30,000 homes adopting 100% green energy—equal to entire Oud-Zuid, finds AMS Institute research New calculations based on data from active pilots in Amsterdam highlight quick and effective ways to cut carbon and increase circularity. The findings can help Amsterdam reach its ambitious circular economy goals to cut emissions and material use, while boosting people’s wellbeing and accelerating the energy transition. The four circular strategies are: 💥 Extend product life of solar panels: Using solar panels for their entire 25-year lifespan, 💥 Reduce excess material and energy use in data centers: Using data centers more efficiently and reducing the number of servers needed for digitalization, 💥 Use circular materials in roads: Paving roads with circular asphalt and concrete and, 💥 Use biobased materials in buildings: Constructing new builds with timber and biobased insulation. ‌ “At this point, we don’t need another report. We need action. AMS Institute research goes beyond theorizing and ‘what-if scenarios’: we mobilize scientists to address current problems and solve them together on the ground.” says Joppe van Driel, Program Developer of Urban Circularity at AMS Institute. 👉🏼 The carbon savings reported are not only hypothetical. The circular approaches are already happening in the City—now they need to be scaled. Pilots are conducted in public space, in close collaboration with the City of Amsterdam, partner universities such as Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as businesses and local stakeholders. 👉🏼 In calculating this overall figure of emissions reduction, we have combined the potential savings from different projects and #pilots that are active or have been conducted in the city with a range of partners. 👉🏼 Read more in our article here: https://lnkd.in/eHT8Y_FP 👏🏼 With special shout out to the researchers: Sietse de Vilder, Felix Fröhling, Elizabeth Migoni Alejandre, Jonas van der Ham and the Circularity in Urban Regions Program Developers, Joke Dufourmont and Joppe van Driel. Please reach out to Laxmi Adrianna Haigh at [email protected] if you’re from the press and want to arrange coverage or interviews! #circulareconomy #circularprojects #circularpilots #circularamsterdam

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Many Netherlands companies view the climate crisis seriously and are taking steps to reduce their emissions; at the same time, adapting to climate change “is still uncharted territory for many, while it is precisely climate adaptation that has a major impact on the future resilience of businesses.” This is among the main conclusions of a new report from the Netherlands Red Cross – Adapting to the consequences of climate change: Touchpoints, practical tools and recommendations for your company – that also flags options for companies to support resilience in the Global South

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Did you know...we take our environmental responsibility very seriously. And that's why, on #EarthDay we wanted to let you know about the digital forest we planted with Ecologi | B Corp™ in 2011. Over 2100 trees planted, 164.6 CO2e avoided and 32 projects funded. #HappyEarthDay #makingadifference #environmentalresponsibility #sustainability https://lnkd.in/eQVTWmKH

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Innovability - the fusion of innovation and sustainability. This concept conveys a crucial message: for a company to be sustainable, innovation is non-negotiable. In fact, innovation is essential for a company to meaningfully contribute to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. KPMG Belgium #Innovation #Sustainability #SDGs.

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I feel an immense sense of excitement and privilege to support the 10 ventures selected for ❌⭕️ Amsterdam Circular Edition 3, focusing on organic residual flows and circular food chains 🍄🪱 We are building a circular chain accelerator – what we call a circulator – to drive systemic change across industrial supply chains. Can founders play a leading role in transforming their chain? These innovative 'scaleouts' are set to accelerate circular chains, contributing to the City of Amsterdam's mission to halve its raw material use by 2030. 🥁 Congratulations to: - Alex in Wonderland: Offering healthy, environmentally friendly catering via smart fridges around town - Circulair Hout Centrum: Upcycling and recycling used wood with a focus on construction - De Tweede Jeugd: Turning discarded bread into delicious toasties - Droppie: Innovating a brick-and-click recyclable "waste" deposit and return system for consumers - Food for Skin | B Corp : Creating skincare products from real, "ugly" fruits - Grow It Away: Providing organic waste pick-up and composting subscription services - MycoFarming®: Utilizing biological systems to break down and collect nutrients from water bodies - Primal Soles: Crafting slippers and insoles from sustainable cork - Unwaste.: Transforming coffee grounds and orange peel into soap and shampoo bars - Veza: Enabling "Buy Now, Pay Later" for produce wholesalers, with a focus on ugly fruits and vegetables 🚀 The founders will receive tailored support, access to chain financing opportunities, and valuable connections to strengthen their circular chains. 👀 Stay tuned as the founders embark on an exciting journey towards a circular future! 🌱 Amsterdam Circular in partnership with AMS Institute, City of Amsterdam, CiSe Network, Harald Friedl, Invest-NL #CircularEconomy #AmsterdamCircular #Sustainability #Amsterdam #CircularValueChain

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☀️ Will paying people to turn off their solar panels help fix grid congestion? ☀️ For the next month, households in the coastal Dutch province of #Zeeland are being paid to turn off their solar panels. Participating households will be asks to disable their solar panels at designated times over the course of a month in order to relieve the burden on the electrical #grid in the #Netherlands As reported by NU.nl (https://lnkd.in/eNqFzzwY), the energy companies behind it, Eneco and Stedin, intend to carry out this same experiment on a wider scale in 2025. This highlights an important problem that comes with some #sustainable #energy sources, like solar panels: 💡During a sunny day, solar panels generate a lot of energy that the household members cannot use themselves, even if they turn on every appliance in the house! 🥵 The excess energy then goes back to the grid, overloading it and causing technical problems. Our colleague Lisa Novoradovskaya explains that we often assume that money motivates people, but in psychological research, it has been demonstrated again and again that offering people financial incentives only works short term: 💶 As long as people are paid for performing the behaviour, they do it. 📉 But the moment the financial incentive stops, we see the #behaviour slowing down and eventually dropping off, most often to the level that we saw before there was compensation. Could this experiment possibly become effective policy? Read our blog post to find out the questions that need to be answered to figure it out: https://lnkd.in/eZ3fS3CQ #environmentalpsychology #climatechange #behaviorchange University of Groningen Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences - University of Groningen

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