For the second time Aidenvironment held a lively and inspiring Lenteborrel (Spring Meeting) at the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam. During the country’s first sunny afternoon in May, four guest speakers and over 65 attendees shared their thoughts on the theme “Investing in a Changing Climate”.

Climate change currently represents one of the greatest social, environmental and economical threats to the world. The sustainable use of natural resources in a changing environment is essential in the battle against the effects of climate change, and the focus of Aidenvironment’s work for many years. Besides risks and challenges, climate change also brings opportunities and a call for sustainability and sustainable investments. Four inspiring guest speakers were invited to share their visions on realizing their aspirations for sustainability.

Hugo Buis, Director of Biomass at Eneco, underlined the company’s ambition to provide for a completely sustainable energy supply by 2030. ENECO contributes to a cleaner environment by investing in solar energy, wind and biomass, which requires the development of new infrastructure. Joris Janse, Unit Manager at ORIO, NL EVD International, illustrated the connection between infrastructure development and climate change, especially with regard to water supply, energy, reforestation and agricultural irrigation projects. Infrastructure projects could contribute to both mitigation and adaptation measures in relation to climate change.

After outlining the threats of climate change to the Netherlands, Aalt Leusink, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Aidenvironment focused on the importance of climate change policies in land and water use planning and management and of translating these policies into innovative projects. The complex and rapid changes in relation to our climate demand innovative thinking and solutions. This is exactly what Mr Finney, the main character of the children’s book Mr. Finney en de wereld op zijn kop emphasizes: "Solutions are often closer than you think!" Laurentien van Oranje-Nassau, founder of the Missing Chapter Foundation and author of this children’s book, gave an inspiring presentation on the dialogue needed between children and adults to engage children in such global issues as climate change and deforestation.

Discussions covered a range of issues including indirect land use changes of biomass production, the effects and limitations of sustainability criteria, and our moral responsibility to future generations to act upon climate change and adjust our life styles. The exchange of expertise and experience continued over drinks and a buffet dinner in the beautiful gardens of the Hortus Botanicus.

For more information contact Marina d'Engelbronner-Kolff.