Professor of transnational environmental policy and director of Amsterdam Sustainability Institute Phillipp Pattberg is the founder of the centre and stresses the importance of bringing scientists together and expanding the network: 'We have really excellent scientists walking around at VU who contribute enormously to both science and policy. For example, one of our experts chairs the UN climate panel IPCC and we have advised the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on sustainable agriculture with a group of VU scientists. Our ambition is to bring all climate expertise together in one place, accessible to media and society, to show what we are doing.'
Bringing knowledge together to accelerate climate action. That is the mission of the newly established expertise centre. Scientists showcase their findings in a comprehensive way. Journalists and potential partners such as policymakers, NGOs, universities and companies can also easily connect with VU's climate experts through the platform.
'We don't only want to think along with ministries and large organisations, but invite especially small civic initiatives and green projects in the neighbourhood where we not only share knowledge, but also listen and learn from others,' says Philipp Pattberg.
With the establishment of the Climate Expertise Centre, VU Amsterdam is taking an important step towards a more sustainable and equitable future, using knowledge and expertise to meet the challenges of climate change.
Check out the centre here: Climate Expertise Centre.