Climate-proof futures
Climate change is not a future scenario but a reality that is already affecting our living environment, economy and nature. Climate change and biodiversity loss are among the greatest challenges of our time, impacting countries and continents across the world. Urgent action is needed on both fronts: by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening the natural absorption of CO₂ by the biosphere (mitigation), and by limiting the impacts of climate change (adaptation). This concerns a climate-proof future in which countries around the world proactively adjust to changing conditions. From green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture – discover how we are building a climate-proof future.
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What is a climate-proof future?
A climate-proof future means that countries are able to withstand the impacts of climate change. Climate adaptation includes smart solutions such as landscapes that store water, climate-proof urban trees, and nature-inclusive precision farming. At the same time, a climate-proof future also requires climate mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening natural carbon sinks, for example through nature-based measures and sustainable production processes. This approach combines technology, ecology and social innovation.
Why are climate adaptation and climate mitigation important?
The impacts of climate change are severe, especially for densely populated, low-lying countries and delta regions. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can cause extensive damage. Climate adaptation is essential to limit risks and safeguard safety – including in the Netherlands – and goes hand in hand with climate mitigation, which reduces emissions to lower future risks.
What causes climate change?
Greenhouse gas emissions are rising as economies grow, urban areas expand and energy demand increases due to a growing global population. This places increasing pressure on nature. To counter this, changes are needed in food production, urban design and energy use.
What is a climate-proof future?
A climate-proof future means that countries are able to withstand the impacts of climate change. Climate adaptation includes smart solutions such as landscapes that store water, climate-proof urban trees, and nature-inclusive precision farming. At the same time, a climate-proof future also requires climate mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening natural carbon sinks, for example through nature-based measures and sustainable production processes. This approach combines technology, ecology and social innovation.
Why are climate adaptation and climate mitigation important?
The impacts of climate change are severe, especially for densely populated, low-lying countries and delta regions. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can cause extensive damage. Climate adaptation is essential to limit risks and safeguard safety – including in the Netherlands – and goes hand in hand with climate mitigation, which reduces emissions to lower future risks.
What causes climate change?
Greenhouse gas emissions are rising as economies grow, urban areas expand and energy demand increases due to a growing global population. This places increasing pressure on nature. To counter this, changes are needed in food production, urban design and energy use.
Moving with water rather than fighting it
Imagine a land that moves with the water instead of fighting against it. A land where cities stay cool thanks to green parks, shaded streets and water squares. Where rivers are given space, and dykes double as places for recreation, biodiversity and renewable energy. Agriculture adapts to the climate, with wet crops and flowering field margins. Farmers manage the landscape as stewards of soil and water. People live more compactly, closer to everyday amenities, in neighbourhoods where nature is woven naturally into daily life.
This future is not a utopia but the logical outcome of the choices we make today. Climate change is a daily reality. Every year of delay increases social and economic damage and reduces our room for manoeuvre. Climate adaptation is a collective responsibility – from science to policy, from citizens to businesses. Public participation in climate policy is crucial: only with broad support can measures be implemented effectively and fairly.
A climate-resilient transition in progress
Impactful projects (12)
Let's make a difference together
A climate-proof future requires collaboration between science, policy, businesses and communities. By managing water, soil and biodiversity wisely, we build cities that cool, landscapes that retain water, and agriculture that withstands drought and salinisation. Innovation and nature-based solutions strengthen safety, liveability and resilience. This creates a society that does not fight against the climate, but works with it.
Together, we make the difference.
Connect with us about a climate-proof future
Discover our themes
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?
Sustainable food systems
We need to find a new balance between what we eat, how we produce it, and the conditions under which it is grown.
Biodiversity and resilient ecosystems
The interaction between plants, animals and ecosystems keeps our environment healthy, nutritious and resilient. How do we preserve that balance?
Global health
In a healthy world, it is not only people who thrive. Our health is connected to the health of all living things.
Climate-proof futures
To withstand the impacts of climate change, adaptation is essential — from green cities to nature-inclusive agriculture.
Biobased and circular society
In a circular society, we close resource loops, use renewable materials and generate almost no waste.
Sustainable water and land use
How do we manage our water and land so that these vital resources remain available for future generations?