Our planet is heating up, with serious consequences for people, animals and the environment. Rising sea levels, encroaching deserts, extreme weather, uninhabitable land: to keep our planet liveable. Research shows that we must transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources. An energy transition is essential to prevent a climate crisis.
At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we’re investing in this transition. To accelerate the shift to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society, we became the first university in the Netherlands – and the second worldwide – to make the decision to stop entering research partnerships with companies that do not demonstrably commit to the climate targets of the Paris Agreement. In 2024, we launched a framework for Fossil-Free Research and established a commission of the same name.
In addition, we’ve joined the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, which promotes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) both nationally and internationally. We conduct ground-breaking research at the Institute for Environmental Studies and the Climate Expertise Centre, educate the climate experts of tomorrow and facilitate students and staff to contribute to a more sustainable university. As part of promoting the energy transition, VU Amsterdam’s campus will be completely gas-free by 2035. Our VU Amsterdam community is at the forefront: showing what’s possible through connection, dialogue and action.
Together, we’re working towards a sustainable society. In the hope of a better future, for the sake of a fairer world. For current and future generations.
