Meet the KIN Global Transitions Programme Committee!

On August 29, the Global Transitions Programme Committee (GTPC) held its first meeting. Joining from three different countries the committee discussed the start of the first steps for the Global Transitions programme within the Dutch Climate Research Initiative (KIN). KIN is excited to collaborate with this diverse group of experts to ensure innovative, co-creative and impactful KIN initiatives.

Derk Loorbach Joins KIN as Scientific Lead

It’s been a long wait, but it was worth it: we’ve welcomed the scientific lead to our team and are now delighted to announce that this is Derk Loorbach. His innovative approach to research in and with society makes Derk the perfect expert for this role. Derk started this summer and will fulfill this role […]

From complexity to success: a recap of the THRIVE Purpose Accelerator so far

Time flies when you’re having fun! Having started in May, we are now halfway through the 5-month-long KIN Purpose Accelerator! Over the past few weeks, seven talented PhD candidates have been conducting research aimed at creating an evidence-based climate valorisation. The results will be delivered at the end of October, but in the meantime, we […]

What’s in the first advice from the strategy and advisory council?

The Strategy and Advisory Council (SAR) of the KIN Pact issued its first advice on prioritising knowledge questions, which the steering group adopted. The SAR identified four key challenges: implementing Water-Soil-Network policy, adaptation versus acceptance, opportunities for modular solutions, and preventing displacement in scarcity. This advice provides direction for KIN, focusing on problem owners’ needs. Next steps include identifying problem owners and aligning with ongoing programmes. For more information, see the public summary or full appendix. Together, we aim for a climate-neutral and climate-resilient Netherlands.

Reflection on the second Make-athon: pitches, post-its & chips

On June 26th, around seventy enthusiastic policymakers, scientists, and advisors gathered for the second Make-athon at the Cobra Museum in Amstelveen. The goal? To collaboratively develop adaptation pathways for five (eventually seven!) key themes within the new National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS). The energy and collaboration throughout the day were impressive, lasting well into the evening! This unique pressure-cooker day resulted in valuable insights and creative solutions, which we are eager to reflect on together.

Our new steering group’s first meeting at the NWO office in Utrecht!

On 22 April 2024, the KIN Steering Group held its first meeting at the NWO office in Utrecht. The group, including Gerard van der Steenhoven, Eddy Moors, and Marjolein Demmers, discussed KIN’s current state and future plans, emphasising a demand-driven approach to research.

Key topics included building a strong network with societal partners, identifying problem owners, and formulating practical research questions. The group also highlighted the need for tools to support these processes.

KIN aims to strengthen partnerships and develop research programmes for system transitions, with the steering group guiding these efforts towards a sustainable future.

Review of the 1st Make-athon NAS

In the Netherlands, we face an immense challenge: how can we make our country resilient against changing climate conditions? As sea levels rise, extreme weather events become more frequent, and our infrastructure comes under pressure, we must act proactively to climate-proof the Netherlands.

IPCC: putting our heads together against climate change

Many people are familiar with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from the extensive, well-researched reports on climate change that often make headlines. But what exactly is the IPCC, and what does it do? The IPCC is a United Nations body that synthesises and summarises scientific literature on climate change for a policy audience. It regularly publishes reports on the international state of knowledge about climate change and its impacts. These reports are designed to inform policymakers worldwide and assist them in making well-informed decisions.

This year, preparations began for a special report on cities and climate change, scheduled for release in 2027. Prof. Bart van den Hurk, scientific director at Deltares, co-chairs the working group on climate impacts and adaptation, leading the development of this report with his team.