In the pressing research fields of climate and biodiversity, much complementary research is taking place at the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus universities. In Leiden, the emphasis is on biodiversity, in Delft on climate and in Rotterdam on how law and new business models can contribute to combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.
We have valuable knowledge in the fields of climate and biodiversity, but like the UN panels IPCC and IPBES in their joint report Biodiversity and Climate Change, we note that research in the two domains makes too little use of each other's knowledge, experience and solution directions.
The LDE universities want to integrate the two fields more, to encourage policymakers to do so as well. Because it is becoming increasingly clear how strongly climate and biodiversity are interlinked. Real solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss can only be achieved by approaching these problems in conjunction.
This new Leiden-Delft-Erasmus initiative, started early 2024, explores what interdisciplinary education and research already exists within the universities and what opportunities there are to further expand cooperation in the field of interdisciplinary biodiversity and climate research.
At the same time, we are building a network. One of the first activities was the publication of a White paper in May 2024. In this publication, we showed how climate (measures) and biodiversity influence each other and how an integrated approach will really make our society future-proof, also in social terms.
Program focus for 2025
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Development of a long-term program strategy for 2025-2030. In what ways can we leverage the integration of the themes of climate and biodiversity to link LDE universities to practical issues in the Dutch Delta?
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Act as a Knowledge Director to connect existing initiatives between LDE and practice.
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Develop and integrate research and education around both themes in existing or new Living Labs through Seed Funds.
Curious what we can do for you? Read more on the Network page.
For more information on the new Climate and Biodiversity initiative or if you would like to become part of the network, please contact Annelot Broerze, TU Delft, e-mail: a.e.w.broerze@tudelft.nl or Joran Lammers, Leiden University, e-mail: j.a.lammers@cml.leidenuniv.nl.
