The climate crisis was systematically underestimated
Scientists often face criticism for presenting the climate crisis as too alarming, Pattberg explains. However, according to him, the reality is quite the opposite. "We, as scientists, have actually systematically underestimated climate change." This realization has only increased the urgency for scientific intervention, he emphasizes. "Science is genuinely important, especially because the solutions to the climate crisis are complex, and we need to act quickly." Solving the climate crisis is not a straightforward task, he explains. The scientists affiliated with the VU Climate Expertise Centre study various questions related to climate change. Pattberg says, "We investigate these questions and share our findings with the outside world, including the media, policymakers, civil society organizations, and businesses. But we also want to listen to the ideas of others and learn from them."
From extreme weather to the responsibility of the fossil industry
Within the center, scientists address various climate issues, ranging from extreme weather events like heatwaves to the melting permafrost in Siberia, and proposed solutions such as carbon offsetting.The VU experts study the climate crisis from their own disciplines, including climate and earth scientists, lawyers, political scientists, and experts in the field of the human body. The research is divided into three categories based on the IPCC report: the climate system, the consequences of climate change, and climate policy and solutions.
According to Pattberg, what sets the VU Climate Expertise Centre apart is the active engagement of the affiliated scientists. Philipp says, "Our scientists want their research to make a difference." They regularly share their findings with the media, he says. Some researchers are active in advocacy groups and international climate movements, such as Scientist Rebellion, and many hold advisory positions with external organizations. "VU professor Bart van den Hurk is co-chair of the IPCC climate panel, we have a VU expert at the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI), and we recently provided advice to the Ministry of Agriculture and Climate on climate-resilient agriculture," says the professor.
Knowledge as a privilege
Philipp Pattberg argues that scientists should take responsibility by sharing their knowledge and insights with society. "As a climate scientist, you have insights that others do not. That's why I believe you should speak out."
"We have the privilege of spending our time researching and understanding the world. Based on that knowledge, I believe you should take action. We have a responsibility to use our acquired knowledge for positive change."
Overhauling the entire system
Professor Pattberg conducts research on the policies and changes needed to combat climate change. He believes that a profound system change is necessary. "We need to change the whole system at its roots," he argues. "And although it's complex, a profound transition is indeed possible," Pattberg emphasizes. He uses smoking as an example. "Fifty years ago, smoking was very common, but now hardly anyone smokes in the Netherlands, and we even have a smoke-free university." Together with other scientists from the centre, Philipp studies such significant changes and examines how the strategies employed in the past can be applied in the fight against climate change.
