Climate Breakdown releases Episode 4: 'Science and Activism' another two-parter for our listeners!
Part 1 now available
Part 2 available on February 29
About the episode: Science and Activism
This is an episode on a hot topic - Can scientists and universities be activists, or must they remain neutral? What does ‘neutrality’ mean in the face of an ever-growing climate crisis, with facts and evidence about causes and consequences so abundantly clear? Does this ‘neutrality’ argument still hold up? Or, in the words of Albert Einstein, does the privilege to know, entail a duty to act?
In part I, Mathieu is joined by professor Davide Iannuzzi, Chief Impact Officer at VU Amsterdam. He’s been leading the VU’s efforts to rethink its relations with the fossil fuel industry. These efforts resulted in a landmark decision in 2023 to break research ties with the industry.
In part II, Mathieu talks to Marthe Wens. As a member of Scientists Rebellion and an assistant professor in water security at the Institute for Environmental Studies of VU Amsterdam, she finds that her research and activism are inextricably linked.
Climate Expertise Centre
Brought to you by the recently launched Climate Expertise Centre of VU Amsterdam, this podcast aims to contribute valuable insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding the climate crisis. The VU Climate Expertise Centre presents scientists from a wide range of research fields to provide insights into the latest climate research and to make knowledge accessible to journalists, policymakers and future partners. By bringing knowledge together, the centre aims to enhance sharing and collaborations to accelerate climate action.
‘Climate Breakdown’ is available on Spotify and Apple Podcast, and produced by PodKasteel. Subscribe, listen and engage! For more information, questions, or to get in touch, please contact Mathieu Blondeel at m.c.blondeel@vu.nl or visit our Climate Expertise Centre website.
Photo credits: Patrick Perkins ©
