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The Dutch Technical University Delft (TU Delft) has become part of the International Universities Climate Alliance (‘Climate Alliance’ for short). The aim of this alliance is to enable research institutions to work more efficiently on solutions to problems caused by the Earth’s changing climate. More than 40 universities around the world have joined forces. As TU Delft revealed today, it is is one of the research universities that helped set up the alliance.

Despite the immediate urgency of the corona virus pandemic, members have decided not to delay the establishment of the alliance. This is in light of the urgent and continuing need to expedite climate action.

Climate Alliance

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney, Australia) is to head the Climate Alliance in its first year. More than 40 of the world’s most important universities in the climate research arena are expected to pass on findings from their climate research to the general public. The Alliance members are all active in the areas of climate change science. As in, the consequences of these changes, along with research into strategies for encouraging people to behave in a more climate-friendly way.

Harnessing innovative power

Tim van der Hagen, Rector Magnificus and Chair of the Executive Board at TU Delft: “Our university attaches great importance to climate action. To this end, we recently published the Climate Action visionary paper on how we are going to use our innovative power to advance the global transition to non-fossil energy. As well as adapt our lifestyle and habitats to the repercussions of global warming.”

Global Approach

“Membership of the Climate Alliance is important to TU Delft. As we believe that the debate on climate change is most productive when it leads to joint efforts that take into account important societal values and ethical concepts. Like that of responsibility and justice. A coordinated, more global approach such as the Climate Alliance is therefore one initiative that we wholeheartedly support.”

Vice-President of the Climate Alliance Professor Ian Jacobs, states that universities play a vital role in furthering the science and seeking solutions in this area. “This new Alliance will be at the forefront of the international debate on tackling climate change.”

New era of commitment

Professor Matthew England, academic leader of the UNSW Climate Change Grand Challenge, hopes that this alliance will encourage a new era in the commitment of researchers and the public; “Worldwide interest in tackling climate change is tremendous. However, the pace at which action has been taking place is far too slow. The Alliance aims to accelerate the global response by providing a leading voice for mitigation and adaptation strategies based on science.”

Read other IO articles on the climate via this link.