Cees van Lotringen

How can we prepare for the future and develop our regions with nature-based solutions? Enjoyed this presentation from Ingrid Coninx. Ingrid is working on projects in Europe, while being based in Darwin and watching what's happening in Australia, which gives her fantastic perspective. Highlights for me: 1. We depend on systems--'key community systems' in Ingrid's presentation--to live sustainably in a place. The most fundamental of all are the ecosystems, which means that solutions to social and economic problems must also be nature-based solutions. 2. In the EU, they've designed the program to start with a demonstration site, where the solution is tested, before moving to other 'replication' sites. I have heard, in the Australian context, that we've executed a lot of good pilots or first runs, but not been good at scaling up. A good example from the EU, perhaps. 3. Ingrid's work indicates that governance is the biggest issue when it comes to systems change. This is a very interesting one to me. We may need new forms of governance--a governance of change, I'd call it. But some of this must also be about making sure the people who are part of the deliberative bodies we already have (elected councils for instance, or boards) ask powerful questions and deliberate well. 4. Design/plan for the future we want. This is something I bang on about all the time. The future is something we create through our action (and inaction). After all, that's how we got where we are today. We need to talk about the desirable future, as Ingrid points out. Unfortunately scenarios have been not much more than putting model projections into 'narrative' form. They've often obscured the agentive factors in that future, if I can put it that way, and a bit fluffy about descriptive and normative language. I still think scenarios, in a basic sense of the term, are a good way to represent a desirable future (perhaps contra Ingrid though it might be a terminological thing). However, they are yet to make good on their potential to be a rich definite description of a desirable and realistic state of affairs, at a point in time and in a certain place. (I'm doing some work on this so get in touch if you want to talk about developing a good scenario for your organisation or government area.) #naturebasedsolutions #scenarios #climaterisk #climateopportunity #adaptation #resilience Lis Ashby Luther Uthayakumaran Paula H. Wayne Burton Jonathon Masom CIA Louise Cramsie #RIELSS2024 https://lnkd.in/gfMcG5Ku

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🌍 Can Wopke Hoekstra lead Europe’s green future? 🇳🇱 📄 The former Dutch finance minister is under scrutiny as he tries to prove his commitment to climate action. But can a conservative, free-market advocate truly bring the transformation the EU needs? 🤔 🎤 His hearing is today at 9:00 a.m at the European Parliament and you can access it 👇 https://lnkd.in/eBtVEsFT European Commission European Committee of the Regions European Economic and Social Committee #climatechange #EuropeanUnion #Sustainability

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>>>'Trump team preparing withdrawal from climate agreement'>>> - 4 billion tons of extra CO2 emissions are threatening our planet climate. At the start of the US election campaign, the climate site CarbonBrief calculated that Trump's return to the White House could lead to a total of 4 billion tons of extra CO2 emissions. That amount would more than offset all the emissions the world has saved in the past five years through sustainable generation. Trump's transition team is preparing for the US's withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, The New York Times reports based on anonymous sources involved in the talks. He also wants to drastically reduce the number of natural monuments in the country, in order to make more oil and gas drilling possible. The United States joined the climate agreement in 2015, when Barack Obama was still president. In 2017, Trump withdrew the US from the treaty, but after Biden succeeded him, the US was able to join again immediately. That was easy at the time, because countries could not immediately withdraw from the climate agreement within three years of joining. That was stipulated to prevent such a withdrawal. Now, a US withdrawal could have major consequences, because that waiting period no longer applies almost ten years after the agreement. Trump is also expected to end a Biden-imposed blockade on exports of new liquefied natural gas to major markets in Asia and Europe, the newspaper reports.

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I vibed with Freddie de Boer's article. I think he's right, we can't criminalize our way out of the damage drugs do. And yet I think we should acknowledge that some of the more progressive discourse almost ignores that drugs can, and do, mess up millions of lives every day, and that's not helpful either. In the effort to destigmatize, harm reduction advocates almost minimize in their discourse. I've been around addicts and substance abusers ever since I was a little kid. I fell in with the kids who did drugs and abused alcohol as teenagers, fell into relationships with women who abused them as a young man, and eventually found myself working in professional settings trying to address alcohol and drug harm in the community. It's a shame to see sensible, middle-ground approaches to dealing with reducing the harm drugs do, and addressing the drivers of why so many people live in the grip of addiction seems so out of reach. Substance abuse doesn't discriminate by political affiliation. We need to take the politics out of the conversation and start applying complex social changes to deal with drug and alcohol and abuse. "You will have no doubt seen that various people were arrested yesterday for their involvement in procuring drugs for actor Matthew Perry, who died of an overdose last year, including doctors, drug dealers, and his assistant. As just about everyone has said, this would never have happened with someone who wasn’t famous. Nor should it ever work this way; I object to the whole premise here. You can’t save addicts by arresting their dealers and enablers. You can’t save addicts by arresting every dealer and enabler in the world. They have to beat their addiction, as profoundly unfair as that is, and if they don’t then they can either survive with their addiction or they can’t. Addicts trying to quit need help and they need healing, and more than anything they need to want to be healed. You can’t solve drug addiction by criminalizing the distribution of drugs any more than you can solve suicide by criminalizing tall buildings. You can only help at the source." https://lnkd.in/gSjy9QpG

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💡 Two reports about climate change in the Netherlands came out last week. One focused on behaviour change, the other on technological change - but if tech doesn't appeal to people, they probably won’t adopt it and may actually end up protesting, which will ultimately inhibit implementation. The report from the PBL (PBL Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving), or Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency as it’s known in English, carefully mapped out 30 different scenarios for how the Netherlands can become climate neutral by the year 2050 through scaling up technological solutions. The PBL report, “Pathway exploration climate neutral 2050: Pathways to a climate neutral society for the Netherlands in 2050”, focused on achieving #climateneutral status for the Netherlands through technological changes to the electricity and heat supply, as well as the production and use of fuel and raw materials. The technological changes which the PBL investigated often treat it as a given that technological advances will be used on a wide scale. But if new or developing tech fails to appeal to people, they probably won’t adopt it and may actually end up protesting, which will ultimately inhibit implementation. Assuming that population and economic growth remain moderate and that consumer behaviour remains roughly the same, “it is still very uncertain whether climate neutrality can be achieved in 2050 [through technology alone].” The report summary acknowledges that “the behavior of consumers, businesses and governments”, among others, also “play an important role” in a “transition to climate neutrality.” However, the report states that behaviour change is not addressed in detail in the study, saying that their findings “can provide a starting point for follow-up studies that address these issues.”  Even though it is only mentioned in passing, the necessity of behaviour change is still evident in the report: “Lifestyle changes that reduce energy and resource consumption to levels lower than those assumed in this study could significantly contribute to a successful transition.” In an interview about the report with Dutch newspaper NRC, PBL director Marko Hekkert also spoke about the importance of behaviour change. “It is a political choice [to ask Dutch people to change their behavior], but it would make the transition a lot cheaper.” Another report which came out in late April, by comparison, focused directly on the role of pro-environmental behaviour change. The SCP (The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), explored Dutch people’s current pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours, and why they matter so much to a climate neutrality strategy. Want to read what Environmental Psychology has to say about it? Read full the blog post on our site! https://lnkd.in/djgeCpBP #environmentalpsychology University of Groningen Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences - University of Groningen

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KLOMPE FARM AND THE SOIL HEROES FOUNDATION WORKING WITH NATURE IN THE NETHERLANDS “It’s been a long journey of trial and error to get to where we are today, and the more we work with nature, the more we realise we need to learn. Today we sit on a cliff edge of climate change and biodiversity loss. But as entrepreneurs, we are optimists! We strongly believe that we can still turn the situation around. We need systemic change as a society, but also in our food system. We need farming to shift away from the conventional model and move to a regenerative system, which is why we set up the Soil Heroes Foundation in 2019. The mission of the Soil Heroes Foundation is to trial and test regenerative farming practices, then share these with farmers to inspire and motivate them to shift their own farming systems towards regenerative models. We also want to show the food industry and politicians what is possible: that farming regeneratively on a large scale is achievable. One day, we believe that we’ll be able to sit back and look across a landscape teaming with nature. The winter landscape will no longer be coloured brown by large cold fields of dead earth, but will be criss-crossed by trees and hedges, and green with cover crops that will be supporting a myriad of wildlife. Farming will no longer be a bone of contention, and people will again become proud of their farming communities for providing healthy, tasty, nutritious food as well as investing in nature and supporting them to reduce climate change. Because in the end, we believe nature holds the key to its own restoration. That’s why we work with nature, rather than against it.“ - Says Mellany and Jeroen Klompe in The Netherlands in Islands In A Common Sea by Jenny Jefferies and published by Meze Publishing Limited Islands In A Common Sea is a 288 page hardback and retails at £35 and is available from all good book shops and online via Amazon, Meze Publishing and www.jennyjefferies.co.uk Out now all over the world! Soil Heroes Foundation #islandsinacommonsea #thenetherlands #global #regenerativeagriculture #food #farming #cookbook #cookbookauthor

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Want to invest in climate technology?! Want to scale your climate tech biz?! Then, you'll want to listen to the latest episode of the #climatetechspotlight podcast, in which I spoke with Bas Van Den Brande, Country Manager of Carbon Equity. Link in the comments to listen. Let us know what you think? #climatetech #renewables

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Carbon capture can never be good for anybody except maybe fossil fuel stockholders. I am a BIG supporter of the wonderful work the United StatesDOE does, with the exception of any money wasted to research or implement carbon capture contraptions. However it will not stop or slow the great global renewable energy overbuild that will result in energy independence everywhere. Energy Independence’s cheap sometimes free energy everywhere is evolution’s path to climate stability, peace, and prosperity.

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Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) had the pleasure of welcoming Marjan Trompetter, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Rabobank, a cooperative bank rooted in agriculture, serving 90% of all farmers in the Netherlands. Their website states that “As a cooperative that prioritises growing a better world for the generations to come, sustainability is integrated into all of Rabobank’s business operations and growth aspirations”. KFBG (formerly Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association) also has its roots in agriculture, helping more than 300,000 farmers with interest-free loans for pigsty construction, two to three sows as breeding stock, as well as farming training, beginning way back in 1956. In 1995, it was repurposed as a centre for nature conservation, holistic education and sustainable living, including regenerative agriculture. Rabobank’s Asia CEO Melody Wan and Asia Sustainability Lead Ellen Lam also joined the tour, where we discussed farming and the future of agriculture in Hong Kong – and of course sustainability. Hong Kong imports 98% of its food and farmland occupies less than 0.7% of the territory. There are some 4,000 farmers in Hong Kong, but with the exception of a few, these are parttime occupations, as focusing on food production alone does not make it possible to make a living. Agriculture is important for other reasons: it provides opportunities for leisure and recreation, connecting citizens with food production as many urbanites have no idea how food is being produced, but they are increasingly interested. Our agriculture courses, like apiary tours and beehive courses are in high demand; our coffee growing workshops are regularly sold out and our ‘harvesting and cooking together’ programmes are popular too. Farmland is also an important habitat for many animals, especially birds, as most land is farmed on a small scale and often organically. In our 2022 report “The Hidden Oases of Hong Kong: High Ecological Value Farmland in the Proposed Northern Metropolis”, we registered 153 species, showing the importance of this habitat; the report can be downloaded for free from www.kfbg.org KFBG is the only place in Hong Kong with productive tea plantations, and as tea is a key ingredient of the Chinese culture, we use this extensively in our agro-educational programmes. The future of farming in Hong Kong is different than the future of agriculture in the Netherlands, but hopefully small-scale farming methods, where most of the economic value is derived from lateral activities with a principal place for nature, will become more mainstream in the Netherlands as well. Our Rabobank guests (below with our own Tsz Lam Yip) enjoyed the day, particularly the visit to the tea plantations. Disclaimer: I grew up in the Netherlands as a farmer’s son, and of course, with Rabobank. #farming #nature #Netherlands #Hong Kong #tea production #coffee growing #sustainability

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Hello GCI, Enjoy the latest podcast episode. https://lnkd.in/eXD72nCG How do you unblock what's in the way of your creativity?  Pete Ophoven addresses this question by championing the value of understanding and leaning into the 'how' for developing one's creativity. This is doable, especially when we develop an awareness, and pausing to learn and think about creativity as we experience it, however foreign and uncomfortable it may be. 

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🚨 Only 10.7% of executive power in the average G20 company is held by women. 🚨 In the Netherlands, the situation is even worse, with women holding just 7% of executive power. I discovered this alarming information during a conversation with Katharina Hoepner, who collects live data on this issue through ExecuShe. We had an enlightening (as shown in the photo) and concerning discussion. Katharina just points the ugly truth. What happens when women are not equally represented at the decision-making table? In G20 countries, only 15.9% of top executives are women! The significant gap between Gender Diversity by headcount (15.9%) and Gender Power by executive shareholding (10.7%) reflects the positions women occupy within companies. These roles are often not the powerful, budget-related positions with decision-making authority. Instead, many women are in roles related to people management, HR, and marketing. How can we start by closing this gender gap? By being AWARE (first step) Let others know these numbers. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable (this is where change happens!). And start hiring people who are not at the table YET. SDGLabs.ai #diversity #inclusion #gendergap #femaleleadership

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A Bold Step Towards a Sustainable Future: The Hague Becomes World's First City to Ban Fossil Fuel Ads! In a groundbreaking move, The Hague has become the first city globally to ban advertising related to fossil fuels. This decision is not only a win for climate action but also sets a powerful precedent for cities worldwide. As someone deeply committed to #Sustainability and #ClimateTech, this policy shift is truly inspiring. Cities play a pivotal role in driving the transition to a greener future, and The Hague's leadership demonstrates the kind of bold action we need to mitigate the climate crisis. This move highlights the intersection of policy, communication, and environmental responsibility. By restricting fossil fuel ads, The Hague is helping to change public perceptions and push for alternatives that align with a sustainable future. I hope to see more cities take similar actions, combining regulations and public awareness to drive lasting change. As we continue to innovate in #FinTech, #CleanEnergy, and #ClimateAction, policies like these remind us that local actions can have a global impact. Let's keep pushing for a world where sustainable choices are not just available, but the norm. #GreenTransition #ClimateLeadership #SustainableCities https://lnkd.in/gCUGbuKX

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Food labels are supposed to help us make informed choices, but too often they do the opposite. Vague and misleading claims like 'natural' or 'sustainable' are everywhere—and without consistent European regulations, brands can get away with it. The result? Confused consumers, a lack of trust, and an uneven playing field for producers who are actually doing things the right way. It doesn’t have to be this way. Imagine a scenario where every claim on a label could be trusted, where #transparency was the norm, not the exception. Today’s consumers, especially 75% of Gen Z, are demanding greater transparency and actively seeking to learn more about where their food comes from. To get there, we need stronger regulations and smarter systems to hold brands accountable. Consumers deserve to know what they’re buying, and honest producers deserve to stand out. https://lnkd.in/dXuMFuqH

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For something that doesn't exist, the future has a profound affect on what we do in the present, as Loes Damhof explains brilliantly in this TED Talk: https://lnkd.in/eG2M7WY6 If we become too attached to one or two scenarios it limits our sense of agency - as the future can only ever be imagined. Stay with that for a minute or two... the implications of well and truly assimilating that into our being are mind-blowing! I'm in the midst or preparing to go back to Hawkwood today, I'm going to spend the next few days with Loes and Alex Lambie on the Emergence Academy to learn more about Futures Literacy. We'll be exploring our innate capacity to sense (as opposed to make-sense) of the world around us, and really unpack and appreciate: what we 'see' is actually how we see. 5 years ago I moved to Stroud, I was at the end of one imagined future, where practicing corporate sustainability wasn't realising the kind of change I had been sold. I was living someone else's future. I went to the Seed Festival, at Hawkwood, drawn to its name as the Centre for Future Thinking and connected with the team at Stop Ecocide International. From here, I supported the campaign for a few years, then continued my unlearning journey as a fellow with The Bio-Leadership Project. And at the beginning of this month, I spent an incredible week with Change in Nature practicing nature facilitation (more here: https://lnkd.in/eAU2Nkim). I had no idea where this path was headed. I just had this feeling deep down to move closer to the trees and find communities who wanted to learn and grow with, in and for nature. I hadn't realised, at the time, the biggest change I'd made was imagining a different future. There are more changes afoot and many different futures I keep trying to imagine. As Loes says: It’s not about what we do today that shapes the future, it’s how we look at the future that shapes the present. More to come from the Emergence Academy as we play with different futures and explore unknown territories to help us see the present differently and feel into what matters most... 🌳 🦋 🕸 ❤️ 🌱

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