Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is co-initiator of the new Knowledge Agenda on Climate Adaptation, through which knowledge institutions, municipality and water board are joining forces for a climate-proof future of Amsterdam.
The agenda marks an important step in structurally connecting science, policy and practice, with the goal of better preparing the city of Amsterdam for the increasing impacts of climate change.
Extreme weather conditions - such as heavier precipitation, prolonged drought, heat waves and sea level rise - present Amsterdam with complex and urgent issues. With the joint knowledge agenda, for the first time there is a shared framework that gives direction to research and cooperation in the field of climate adaptation.
The agenda was developed within the Klimaatadaptatie Werkplaats Amsterdam, a partnership in which Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam works together with the City of Amsterdam, AMS Institute, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht. Strengthening the interaction between scientific insights and urban practice is central within this workshop.
Societal issues
Climate adaptation is not only a technical challenge, but also touches on social issues such as health, social inequality and administrative choices. This is reflected in the eight themes central to the agenda, including climate risks, the built environment, water and soil, governance, financing and technological innovation.
The collaboration responds to the growing need for structural knowledge development and application. Where previously collaboration was often project-based and temporary, this agenda provides a sustainable foundation for joint research programming and concrete urban solutions.
In the coming period, the workshop will focus on prioritizing research questions, setting up joint projects and attracting funding. For Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, it is essential that scientific knowledge actually finds its way into policy and implementation, and contributes to tangible improvements in the city.
With this knowledge agenda, VU Amsterdam underlines its role as a social partner in addressing urgent urban and climate-related challenges. Climate adaptation experts Toon Haer, Hans de Moel, and Elco Koks were part of the development's core team, incorporating contributions from climate scientists from VU's various faculties.
Photo: Maarten Nauw