Last week, we had the privilege of facilitating a Climate Fresk workshop with Renske Verhulst for an inspiring and diverse group of young professionals in the Young Expert Programmes (YEP Programmes). The 26 participants are about to start their international careers in the water, agrifood, or renewable energy sectors where they can make a significant impact. We find it amazing that the Climate Fresk workshop is part of their training, equipping them to become leaders in sustainable development.
Climate change is not a distant threat but a reality that affects all regions, but the effects differ and are unevenly spread. Projections indicate that some areas will face more frequent and severe heatwaves and droughts, others will be ravaged by intense storms and floods, and some will bear the brunt of both. This underscores the urgency of our collective responsibility to address this issue.
Due to rising evapotranspiration, a lack of precipitation, and the increasing demand for irrigation, the water table is decreasing in many areas. As a result, rivers and lakes seep away, forests retreat, vegetation becomes more vulnerable to fire, biodiversity declines, land emissions increase, and food production falls. Other regions experience more frequent and intense precipitation, storms, and floods that often result in loss of life and livelihoods and cause significant damage to ecosystems, crops, infrastructure, and the services people rely on.
The impacts that sudden-onset climate hazards and slow-onset climate effects have on essential resources such as water, food, and energy are becoming increasingly visible. Understanding the complex feedback mechanisms at play, as well as the interconnections and interdependencies between different sectors and scales, is crucial for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
The Climate Fresk workshop helps build that understanding and invites all participants to have an open and positive conversation about climate solutions and the roles we have in combatting climate change. Only together we can make change happen.
Are you interested in learning more about the Climate Fresk workshop? Feel free to send us a message!
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NWP (Netherlands Water Partnership)
Netherlands Food Partnership
Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Climate Fresk – Netherlands
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