Scientists & academics engaging in civil disobedience to secure a livable future
At the end of February, Milieudefensie published the latest Climate Crisis Index, on the first working day of the government of ‘Climate Pusher’ Jetten. It shows that many companies in the Netherlands are not taking measures to combat climate change. Of the 28 companies surveyed, not one has a good, or even reasonable, climate plan. … Read more
Chikungunya is an infectious disease that causes, among other things, severe and prolonged joint inflammation. For a long time, we considered chikungunya, malaria, dengue and Zika to be (sub)tropical diseases that posed little threat to Western Europe. But is that still true? Recent research sheds light on whether climate change is bringing these diseases our … Read more
The first warm days of the year are arriving earlier and earlier and are also getting warmer. That may be pleasant for people who are tired of the dreary winter. But it is also a result of climate change, with all its serious consequences. I, too, have enjoyed the beautiful spring weather these days, because … 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
Scientist Rebellion has sent a formal request to the Ministry of Climate in the Netherlands to set a carbon budget for the country, until a climate-neutral economy has been realised. On Tuesday 24th of February, our request passes through court in Zwolle, to test whether the ministry is obliged to dignify it with an answer. … 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
At the end of January, De Staat van ons Klimaat (The State of Our Climate), the KNMI’s annual report on the year 2025, was published. The report confirms the continuing trend of warming that began during the Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century. The consequences are serious: extreme weather, drought and flooding, and increased … Read more
Europe’s water reserves are under pressure. Satellite data show clear declines in water storage across large parts of southern and central Europe over the past two decades, while wetter trends dominate further north. These findings are worrying, policy-relevant and deserving of attention. Jan Verkade But when reporting on such results, precision matters. The recent Guardian … Read more
Climate sceptics, led by President Trump, were quick to jump on the bandwagon when extreme cold weather hit the US at the end of January 2026. Trump posted on his ‘Truth Social’ account: “Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain – WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???” He was promptly served … Read more
Coral reefs act as climate sensors: since the first bleaching was observed in the 1980s, they have consistently shown the impact of warming and acidification. Overfishing, nutrient pollution and disease have pushed these fragile ecosystems to a critical tipping point, if they have not already passed it. The question is whether recovery is still possible. … Read more