Why we take action

As a scientist, I take action because I want to tell society that the world is heading in the wrong direction. I take action to drive the transition forward, in the hope that people will eventually realise that things have to change. The biggest stumbling block at the moment is the fossil fuel subsidies that … Read more

As a scientist, I have learned how to evaluate knowledge, view it critically and transform it into new knowledge. And as a practitioner, I have learned how to apply knowledge. Climate science paints a grim picture of the future: if we continue on our current path, we are irrevocably heading for social collapse. Social science … Read more

The environment and nature around us are essential to me. At the beginning of my career, my research was linked to measures that could be taken. The idea that something would be done with the results was extremely motivating. Later, when climate change became known as a cause of changes in seas and oceans, mentioning … Read more

I am taking action to express my growing sense of fear about what climate change will bring us in the future and the feeling of sadness and mourning that I already feel at the disappearance of the once healthy nature around me. When I walk in the woods (which I love to do), I feel … Read more

Along the coastline of Bangladesh stand enormous towers, apocalyptic: apartment buildings by the surf? No, they are storm shelters where villagers seek refuge from yet another cyclone. For twenty years, I worked in Africa and Asia to strengthen rural healthcare in collaboration with colleagues from those countries. There, in Pakistan, Mozambique, Indonesia and Sudan, climate … Read more

Why I, as a scientist, am a climate activist. I take part in climate protests because research alone no longer feels like an adequate response to the scale of the crisis we face. The science is unequivocal: insufficient action is causing immense suffering and we face the possibility of irreversible harms. Yet despite decades of … Read more

Why I take action as a scientist. Do I take action? I didn’t know that. Apparently, you take action when you express your opinion. Why do I always have to express my opinion? “Just shut up, man! We know already. Yes, the environment, climate change! Jesus, here he goes again.” At home, they do get … Read more

I have been involved in water quality studies for more than 30 years now, mostly concerning coastal areas but also inland waters. Over the years I have seen the focus of such studies change between heavy metals, nutrients and emerging contaminants such medicines, pesticides, (micro)plastics and PFAS. I have also seen the problems concerning climate … Read more

As a scientist, it is important to me to make an impact with my research. We always conduct research in collaboration with students, organisations, governments and companies. This helps all parties to work on new insights, sustainable and fair transitions, and to learn specific research skills to be able to do this. However, conducting practice-oriented … Read more