In Dutch
Universities act as role models within society as drivers of the transition to a green future. Currently, Dutch universities are developing various initiatives, but largely independently of one another. This means support and efficiency are lost, the wheel is reinvented all too often, and ambitions are not nearly as high as they could be and indeed should be. This fragmented approach unfortunately generates only fragile public support for implementing changes that are badly needed – and that includes within Dutch academia.
To genuinely meet the climate challenge that faces us, an inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary approach is essential. The Green Young Academy brings together knowledge and expertise from The Young Academy and all the local Young Academies in the Netherlands, has direct links to local university leaders, and can thus boost the impact of climate initiatives.
The Green Young Academy is initially focusing on two projects:
1) Faster towards a carbon-neutral academia
Dutch universities' climate targets and plans are often hard to find, troublesome to compare, and impossible to verify. The level of ambition also often leaves much to be desired: many universities take as their deadline for climate neutrality only the legally required target of 2050. This project compares the climate plans of the various Dutch universities, subjects them to critical scrutiny, and proposes a more ambitious way forward. The report is expected to be published at the end of 2024.
2) Towards an ‘Academic Green New Deal’
What does it mean to be a climate-proof university within the Dutch academic landscape? In dialogue with a range of stakeholders, we are developing an 'Academic Green New Deal': a vision document setting out principles and goals to which universities can commit by signing up for it publicly. The document will provide guidance on pressing issues such as dealing with research investment by fossil parties, plans for climate-neutral universities, and support for climate education.
Report and manifesto
After analysing the plans of all Dutch public knowledge institutions in a report, The Young Academy and Green Young Academy are asking them to sign a manifesto in which they undertake to work together to accelerate the climate transition. In november 2025 two publications were published:
Press release 'Universities should be more ambitious in the climate transition'
Members involved
The following members of The Young Academy are involved: Rogier Kievit (project lead, co-chair Green Young Academy), Sanli Faez, Ward Rauws, Daphina Misiedjan, Bas Borsje, Valentijn Karemaker, Liesbeth van de Grift (alumnus), Erik van Sebille (alumnus).
The following members of local Young Academies are involved: Anne Urai (YAL, co-chair), Janosch Prinz (MYA),Marie Deserno (AYA), Lenneke Kuijer (TUE/YA), Cees Haringa (Delft YA), Kevin van Schie (Tilburg YA), Johanna Koehler (WYA), Jonas Haslbeck (AYA), Evelien de Olde (WYA), Chris Baeumer (Twente YA), Shivant Jhagroe (YAL), Julie Hall (YAL), Gerwin Hoogsteen (Twente YA), and Björn Mitzinneck (Groningen YA). They are supported by Lisa van den Dries and René van Son.