Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University

Curious about your career prospects after the 𝗠𝗦𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 at Utrecht University? Let’s meet the alumni!  To this day, Lotte Grünwald applies the skills she gained in the Earth System Governance track to her job at climate NGO atmosfair gGmbH. “The most crucial skill I gained is researching climate policy, which is key in my current role. I analyze developments in the voluntary carbon market and must navigate diverse, sometimes overlapping regulations and frameworks. My ability to interpret policy documents and assess their impact on climate strategies lets me effectively contribute to my NGO employer's climate protection efforts.”  Lotte fondly remembers working together in multi-disciplinary teams. “During a case study, we worked together with a company to analyze the ecological, socio-economic and political aspects of using biological control agents as an alternative to pesticides. Collaboration with diverse academic backgrounds and the private sector fostered a holistic approach to problem-solving and provided valuable insights into the complexity of decision-making processes. I gained practical skills and the collaborative mindset necessary for my career in a climate protection NGO.” Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eDT6UpU9 Applications are open for the 𝗠𝗦𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 at Utrecht University! Deadline for non-EU passport holders: 1 April Deadline for EU passport holders: 1 June Want to learn more? Visit https://lnkd.in/dQh_Yhr5

Lots of vacancies here at the Copernicus Institute and wider Faculty of Geosciences. Take a look - there might be something for you!

💡 Innovation policy for circular agriculture can benefit from the ideas and involvement of 'challengers'—people and groups who are willing to question and rethink existing ways of working. However, it's not enough to just invite anyone to participate in shaping strategies and starting projects. A new study shows that challengers need to be actively engaged, or they risk losing interest and withdrawing from the process. The research was authored by Laurens Klerkx & Stephanie Begemann from Wageningen University & Research and Copernicus colleague Matthijs Janssen. It is part of the NWO-funded research project "REWIRE - Leveraging new collaborations for circular agriculture missions”. Curious? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eC_pAGsu

A huge congratulations to Aisha So, who has won a special prize for her short story exploring themes of doubt, self-reflection, and balance in research roles. Aisha's illustrated story, blending creativity with reflective insights on transformative research, stood out among numerous submissions in the categories of Short Story, Flash Fiction, and Poetry in a competition organised by researchers from the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S) and the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST). “Instead of writing directly about a complicated situation that involves plant scientists, regulations, various opinions about technology, and Dutch agriculture, I wrote a simplified story to get my feelings on paper,” explains Aisha. Curiosity piqued? Read more and download the story here: https://lnkd.in/eDw3X2s4

Looking for an exhibition to visit with friends or family over the holiday period? 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁—partially inspired by the research of Copernicus' Jeroen Oomen—offers a groundbreaking exploration of the design and history behind geoengineering. Until 12 January at the Design Museum Den Bosch you can explore how designers, engineers, and scientists have—for better and for worse—sought to shape and control the world for decades. Don't miss it! More info + tickets: https://lnkd.in/eC-W9qeW Urban Futures Studio Faculty of Geosciences (Utrecht University)

Links between the climate and biodiversity crisis are widely acknowledged, with hopes high leading up to the negotiations at the recent UN Biodiversity Summit in Cali, Colombia (COP16). However, ‘’walking the talk’’ has fallen short, argues Copernicus' Anouk Fransen. In her Naturescapes blog, Anouk reflects on the conflicts that emerged in integrating the climate and biodiversity agendas at COP16, and how these challenges shape opportunities to drive transformative change for justice. Read Anouk's reflections here: https://lnkd.in/dWvBCkJq

Second-hand clothing marketplaces like Vinted have never been more popular. But did you know that the possibility of resale has led many consumers to justify buying more new clothing than they did before? This is just one example of how a circular business model can trigger unintended changes in consumer behaviour that undermine their anticipated environmental benefits—also known as a circular rebound effect. Led by Michał Bączyk with Vivian Tunn, Ernst Worrell, and Blanca Corona, a recent study examined 30 real-life circular business models and found plenty of examples of these so-called rebound effects. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻? ⚙ Convenience and practicality, not environmental concerns, primarily drive consumer engagement with circularity 👨👩👦 Gains made by some consumers are offset by others’ increased consumption 💸 The causes of rebound effects are rooted in the economic system and societal norms Curious to learn what can be done about this? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dCWKsqd3

The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta faces growing threats from sea level rise. During his PhD, Md Feroz Islam, PhD explored how a traditional water and sediment management technique from southwestern Bangladesh may offer a sustainable solution. The technique—Tidal River Management—involves a strategic breaching of dikes to allow sediment-laden tidal waters to flow into low-lying areas. "By combining traditional knowledge with advanced modeling, we can create sustainable solutions that not only protect vulnerable deltas like the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna but also inspire resilience strategies for deltas worldwide," says Feroz, who successfully defended his PhD on 2 December. Curious? Learn more about Feroz's PhD research here: https://lnkd.in/d9Npkfyq

In refugee camps in sub-Saharan Africa where energy is scarce, Elena Fumagalli and Duccio Baldi have been investigating a promising solution: mini-grids designed to provide stable, sustainable power. With energy needs far beyond the capacity of solar lamps, these solar mini-grids could support critical services, from healthcare to local businesses, transforming the possibilities for camp residents, who often live there for many, many years. “There’s so much potential here,” says Elena. “Reliable energy is a foundation that can help people rebuild their lives" Curious to learn more about this important work? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d38QBg69

Curious about your career prospects after the MSc in Sustainable Development at Utrecht University? Let’s meet the alumni! The Energy and Materials track led Sybren Bosch to a career in circularity at Copper8. He credits the program’s emphasis on systems thinking: “The main skill which I’m still using is the concept of systems thinking, everything being connected to everything else. If we truly want to change our world for the better, we need to understand system dynamics. Our greatest challenge for the upcoming decades is systemic change, which requires a vision on a new system, a change in the rules of the game and a shift in culture." Sybren recommends the program to students who want to make a change. “With a Master’s in Sustainable Development I am able to look at our world and society in a more systemic and holistic way. I truly believe that this perspective is essential in tackling the global challenges that we face, both today and in the decades to come.” Read the full interview with Sybren: https://lnkd.in/duYXmazN Applications for the Master’s in Sustainable Development at Utrecht University are open!    Deadline for non-EU passport holders: 1 April  Deadline for EU passport holders: 1 June Want to learn more? Visit https://lnkd.in/dQh_Yhr5