Rotterdam, despite being largely below sea level, is a leader in water management and climate change adaptation. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, discussed its strategies at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Rotterdam is part of the C40 cities network, leading the delta cities network, and has established the 'Water Safe Cities Accelerator' with other cities. The city's efforts in water management also contribute to the Netherlands' 'water diplomacy', aiming to position the country as a global water expert. This has economic benefits, attracting business for Dutch engineering firms and promoting international trade and investment. However, the article points out the irony of Rotterdam's focus on adaptation over mitigation, given the significant CO2 emissions from the Port of Rotterdam, of which the city is the majority stakeholder.

Rotterdam, despite being largely below sea level, is a leader in water management and climate change adaptation. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, discussed Rotterdam's strategies at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Rotterdam is part of the C40 cities network, leading the delta cities group, and has pledged to protect communities from flooding and drought. The city's water management expertise is also a form of 'water diplomacy,' helping to position the Netherlands as a global water expert. This has economic benefits, attracting business for Dutch engineering firms and promoting international trade. The Port of Rotterdam, a significant CO₂ emitter, is shifting towards green energy and circular carbon solutions. However, the port's emissions raise questions about whether Rotterdam should focus more on emission mitigation rather than adaptation.

Rotterdam, despite being largely below sea level, is a leader in water management and climate change adaptation. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, attended the COP28 climate conference to share Rotterdam's strategies and promote urban climate resilience. Rotterdam is part of the C40 cities network and leads the delta cities network, sharing best practices for climate change mitigation. The city's efforts in water management also serve as 'water diplomacy,' enhancing the Netherlands' international reputation and benefiting Dutch engineering firms. The Port of Rotterdam, a significant CO₂ emitter, is shifting focus from fossil fuels to green energy, aiming to become Europe's hydrogen hub. However, the article points out the irony of Rotterdam's focus on adaptation when its port's activities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting that mitigation should also be a priority.

Rotterdam, despite being largely below sea level, is a leader in water management and climate change adaptation. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, attended the COP28 climate conference to share Rotterdam's strategies and promote urban climate resilience. Rotterdam is part of the C40 cities network and leads the delta cities network, sharing best practices for climate change mitigation. The city's efforts in water management also serve as 'water diplomacy,' enhancing the Netherlands' international reputation and benefiting Dutch engineering firms. The Port of Rotterdam, a significant CO₂ emitter, is shifting focus from fossil fuels to green energy, aiming to become Europe's hydrogen hub. However, the article points out the irony of Rotterdam's adaptation efforts given the port's greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting a potential need for greater emphasis on emission mitigation.

Rotterdam, a city largely below sea level, is implementing extensive measures to manage the risks of flooding due to climate change. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, emphasizes the importance of climate adaptation and flood resilience, citing the city's history with the devastating 1953 flood and the subsequent creation of the Deltaworks flood prevention program. Rotterdam employs dykes, moveable barriers like the Maeslantkering, and innovative urban solutions such as water plazas and underground storage to manage water levels. The city is also addressing water scarcity through projects like urban waterbuffers. Rotterdam is a leader in knowledge-sharing on water management, participating in networks like C40 and the Connecting Delta Cities network. The city's efforts are part of the Netherlands' broader 'water diplomacy' strategy, positioning itself as a global expert in water management and climate adaptation.

The Maeslantkering, a massive storm surge barrier near Rotterdam, underwent its annual test, drawing hundreds of spectators. The barrier, with arms each longer than the Eiffel Tower, is a critical flood defense for Rotterdam, which lies below sea level. Operated by a central computer system, it closes automatically when water levels rise dangerously. The test ensures the barrier's functionality, which is vital for the city and the economically crucial port of Rotterdam. The barrier has closed only twice outside of tests since its completion in 1997 as part of the Delta Works program. However, with rising sea levels due to climate change, there are concerns about the barrier's long-term viability and its ability to adapt to more frequent closures without affecting the port's operations and maintenance schedules.

The article by Zuza Nazaruk discusses the severe ecological disaster unfolding in Poland and Germany due to the pollution of the River Oder. Over 20 tonnes of dead fish, along with other wildlife, have been found, and the river is expected to take over a decade to recover. The source of the toxin remains unidentified, with initial suspicions of mesitylene and mercury, but high salinity is now also considered a potential cause. The Polish government has been criticized for its slow response, and the Polish Armed Forces have joined the cleanup efforts. The incident has strained Polish-German relations, with Germany accusing Poland of breaking international law by not promptly sharing information about the disaster. Scientists emphasize the resilience of nature, expressing hope that the river's ecosystem will eventually recover, albeit possibly in a different form.

Boas Kragtwijk, an Amsterdam-based ultra-runner, embarked on a 2,500-kilometer run from Amsterdam to Ukraine to raise funds for the Dutch-based foundation Zeilen Van Vrijheid. The foundation, supported by Ukrainian and Belarussian expats, provides medical aid to Ukraine by delivering renovated ambulances and other humanitarian aid. Kragtwijk aims to complete the journey in 50 days, running a marathon distance daily, and hopes to raise €100,000 EUR. By the start of his journey, he had already collected €16,700. Zeilen Van Vrijheid has been active since March 2022 and has already sent 160 ambulances, a medical bus, three fire trucks, and over 500 tons of aid to Ukraine.

The article discusses the efforts of Zeilen van Vrijheid, a Dutch non-profit organization, in providing ambulances and other vehicles to support Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion. Founded by Veronika Mutsei and Daniil Simanov, the organization has delivered over 70 ambulances, a neo-natal vehicle, and a fire truck to Ukrainian cities near combat zones. The foundation leverages migrant networks and includes volunteers from various nationalities, including Eastern European expats. Zeilen van Vrijheid operates with minimal overhead costs and has received support from corporate sponsors like ASBIS enterprise. The organization has also facilitated the transfer of wounded soldiers to a German hospital for medical care. The article highlights the personal connection of the author, Zuza Nazaruk, to the events as an Eastern European migrant in the Netherlands.

The article discusses the challenges and realities of recycling in the Netherlands, despite the country's reputation as a recycling leader. Rob Buurman, director of Recycling Netwerk Benelux, criticizes the Dutch recycling strategy and the way recycling rates are calculated, noting that a significant portion of waste is incinerated or exported rather than truly recycled. The article highlights the new legislation for deposits on small plastic bottles and cans, aiming to improve recycling quality. It also touches on the influence of the packaging industry on recycling strategies and the need for better policies to reduce waste production and consumption. The Dutch government's 2050 Circularity plan is mentioned, which aims to reduce the use of non-organic materials by 50%. The article calls for a shift in focus from recycling to reducing resource consumption and implementing effective environmental policies.

At the African Adaptation Summit in Rotterdam, African and international leaders urged industrialized nations to fulfill their financial commitments for climate adaptation in Africa. The summit, a precursor to COP27 in Egypt, saw the endorsement of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), which seeks $25 billion for climate adaptation projects. The African Development Bank has pledged half of the required funds and is calling on developed countries to provide the remainder. Despite new contributions totaling €55 million from four EU countries, the funding gap is substantial, and key decision-makers from the developed world and the private sector were notably absent. The summit highlighted Africa's vulnerability to climate change and the cost-effectiveness of investing in adaptation over repeatedly paying for climate disaster damages. Leaders also recognized the challenges posed by the current global cost-of-living crisis but emphasized the necessity of integrating climate change into development strategies.

The article discusses the ecological disaster that struck Poland's River Oder, where a toxic algae bloom killed a large number of fish and mussels. It draws parallels with Germany's Emscher River, which successfully recovered from severe pollution through a renaturalization process. The article highlights the importance of nature-based solutions and the need for better river management to prevent such catastrophes. It emphasizes the role of monitoring, regulation, and community involvement in the recovery process. The recovery of the Emscher is presented as a hopeful example for the Oder's potential restoration, despite the differences in scale and development between the two rivers.

Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 president and CEO of ADNOC, endorses blue ammonia as a decarbonisation solution. However, experts like Robert Howarth from Cornell University are skeptical, citing that blue ammonia production emits significantly more greenhouse gases than conventional fuels. Blue ammonia is created by capturing CO2 during ammonia production, but this process is fraught with methane leakage and inefficiencies. ADNOC, which has been developing blue ammonia capabilities, uses captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery, leading to more oil production and potential CO2 leakage. The article questions the environmental benefits of blue ammonia, highlighting the inefficiencies of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology and the additional emissions from the use of captured CO2 in oil extraction. Despite its promotion as a 'low-carbon product,' blue ammonia's actual impact on greenhouse gas emissions is substantial, casting doubt on its role as a sustainable energy solution.

The article by Zuza Nazaruk critiques the narrow focus of international climate treaties on greenhouse gas emissions, arguing that ecological challenges are more complex and interconnected. It highlights the concept of planetary boundaries, developed by scientists led by Johan Rockström at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, which identifies nine key ecological processes essential for human life. The article points out that while climate change is one of these processes, others like biogeochemical flows and biosphere integrity are more transgressed but receive less attention. The author emphasizes the need for integrated environmental policymaking that considers the interconnectedness of Earth's ecosystems, rather than siloed approaches. The article also discusses the potential dangers and opportunities of a climate-focused policy and calls for a transformation in environmental organizations and policymaking to address the crisis holistically. Examples such as the recovery of the ozone layer and Amsterdam's adoption of 'Doughnut economics' are cited as hopeful signs of positive change.

Rotterdam, known for its advanced flood defenses, is leveraging its water management expertise to enhance the Netherlands' 'water diplomacy' and support Dutch engineering firms. At the COP28 climate conference, Rotterdam's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, showcased the city's strategies and discussed collaboration with other cities and organizations. The city leads the C40 delta cities network, sharing best practices for climate resilience. Rotterdam's Port Authority, focusing on the energy transition, aims to position the city as Europe's hydrogen hub. The economic benefits of these initiatives are significant, with Dutch companies like Royal HaskoningDHV, Van Oord, and CDR International B.V. securing international projects. However, the article points out the irony of Rotterdam's focus on climate adaptation given the Port of Rotterdam's substantial CO₂ emissions, suggesting a potential need to prioritize emission mitigation.

The article by Zuza Nazaruk and Malene Pedersen discusses the growing issue of energy poverty in Europe, particularly affecting single parents with dependent children. Miranda Delhaes, a resident of Eindhoven, Netherlands, exemplifies the struggle with poor insulation and high energy costs. The first International Energy Poverty Action Week highlights the need for solutions beyond short-term subsidies, emphasizing the importance of improving housing quality. The article notes that energy poverty is not uniformly defined across the EU, with indicators such as utility bill arrears and inadequate home warmth. It also points out that while Southern and Eastern EU states have higher rates of energy poverty, the problem is also present in wealthier regions like Denmark and the Netherlands. The European Commission has criticized the Dutch approach to energy poverty as incomplete. Experts suggest that local solutions and improving housing stock are key to addressing energy poverty effectively, which is seen as both a climate and social issue.

The article discusses the impact of urban greening projects in Rotterdam, particularly focusing on the potential for 'green gentrification' where lower-income and minority communities are displaced by rising property values. It highlights the €233 million investment in Rotterdam's urban projects aimed at climate adaptation and creating green spaces. Concerns are raised by Rosemarie van Ham, an advisor on inclusive climate policy, and others about the effects on local citizens. Examples of gentrification are given, including the Nassauhaven's Havenlofts and the DakPark and Hudsons developments. The article also mentions anti-gentrification measures taken by the city council and the need for more research on green gentrification. It concludes with a note on the Inclusive Climate Action Rotterdam programme led by Van Ham, which aims to incorporate equity into project evaluations.

The article discusses the history and development of Rotterdam, a city that owes its existence to its proximity to the sea, having grown from a small fishing settlement to a major seaport. However, the same geographic features that facilitated its growth are now posing a threat due to climate change. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) predicts a significant sea-level rise by 2100, which could lead to coastal flooding, saltwater intrusion affecting agriculture and freshwater supplies, and a change in rainfall patterns leading to both droughts and extreme precipitation. The article highlights the city's diverse population and its unique culture, while also emphasizing the serious environmental challenges it faces.

The Next Web (TNW) conference in 2022 highlighted sustainability and climate impact amidst its tech innovation focus. With a vegetarian menu and discussions on sustainability, TNW aimed to be a sustainable event. Boyan Slat from The Ocean Cleanup was a main stage speaker, and other talks included building circular business models and climate fin-tech. Companies like Swap Studio and LeafCloud showcased their environmental solutions. However, the use of single-use plastic cups raised questions about the event's sustainability claims. TNW's senior events manager, Martijn Vrijken, discussed their efforts and future goals for sustainability, including using wind energy and biofuel, and reducing waste with recycled materials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented at The Next Web conference in Zaandam through augmented reality, introducing a 'digital lend-lease' program. This initiative invites tech companies to develop new technologies in Ukraine in exchange for financial and technological support. Zelenskyy highlighted the potential for Ukraine to spearhead a global digital revolution and become a fully digital democracy with stable state institutions and banking systems. The program will be further discussed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano, Switzerland. Zelenskyy's speech was also broadcast at other major tech conferences across Europe, emphasizing Ukraine's role in the tech industry and the ongoing conflict with Russia metaphorically as defeating 'the empire.'

The Climate March in Rotterdam drew around 10,000 participants, including political party representatives, various organizations, and individuals, to demand action from the Dutch government on climate change. The march highlighted dissatisfaction with current climate policies and the need for meaningful action, particularly against the fossil fuel industry. The Dutch government's targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are unlikely to be met based on current projections. The march also emphasized the unequal impact of climate change, with performances by indigenous women from the Amazon to underscore the point. Speakers at the event called for radical climate action and stressed the broad and diverse support for such measures.

Zeilen Van Vrijheid, a Dutch grassroots organisation, has been actively sending humanitarian convoys to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Co-founded by IT specialist Veronika Mutsei and sailing company owner Dan Simanov, the foundation has dispatched 15 ambulances and several civilian cars loaded with medical supplies and food to various Ukrainian cities. The foundation's coordinators, expats from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, leverage their connections to understand the needs on the ground. Supplies are gathered through private donations and hospital contributions, with ambulances purchased from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The foundation faced initial challenges with registration and banking but has since gained trust and partnerships with other organisations. Volunteer drivers, including Dutch nationals, deliver the aid directly to Ukraine, bypassing border delays. Zeilen Van Vrijheid aims to continue its support during and after the war, contributing to Ukraine's reconstruction.

The article discusses the efforts of various organizations and individuals in the Netherlands to provide shelter to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion. Takecarebnb, an established operation, and new initiatives like Room for Ukraine, Share My Home, and Onderdak Oekraine have seen a surge in Dutch citizens registering to host Ukrainian families. The process involves matching Dutch hosts with Ukrainian refugees based on profiles, with a focus on long-term commitments. Personal stories of hosts and their Ukrainian guests are shared, highlighting the sense of duty and solidarity. The Dutch government is also preparing for the influx of refugees by setting up a crisis team and identifying potential housing solutions. The article also touches on the EU's response, granting Ukrainian citizens residence rights and the potential for an extended stay in the EU.

The article discusses the Utrecht Community (UCo) in the Netherlands, a former train repair workshop in Utrecht that has been repurposed into a sustainability hub housing 25 companies. These companies, which employ around 200 people, specialize in various aspects of sustainability, including renewable energy, waste management, and recycling. BLIX Consultancy and ReBottled are highlighted as two of the companies within UCo, with BLIX working on global wind and solar projects and ReBottled upcycling wine bottles. The Recycling Netwerk and its campaign for better recycling facilities are also mentioned. The article emphasizes the role of culture in sustainability, with The Missing Link providing advice on heritage sites. Except Integrated Sustainability, the initiator of UCo, is noted for its innovative projects and the creation of an energy-neutral listed heritage office. The article also touches on the community aspect of UCo, its income sources, and the collaborative environment fostered by its design.

Polish nationals in Amsterdam protested against Poland's new abortion law, which is one of the EU's most restrictive. The law, deemed unconstitutional by Poland's highest court, prohibits abortion in cases of foetal dysfunction. The Amsterdam protest, organized by Ola Samko, showed solidarity with those in Poland, attracting significant attention on Facebook. Participants, including students and families, expressed that the issue transcends women's rights and concerns human rights. Dutch MEP Sophie in 't Veld criticized the ruling and urged the European Commission to take action. The protest reflects a broader concern for human rights and the impact of judicial decisions on democratic processes.

Rotterdam's BlueCity, a circular innovation hub located in a former swimming pool, is pioneering sustainability in the Netherlands by treating waste as a resource. Entrepreneurs at BlueCity, termed 'bioneers', collaborate to create a waste-free ecosystem by repurposing waste streams. RotterZwam grows oyster mushrooms from coffee grounds, Vet and Lazy brews beer using these mushrooms, and Fruitleather creates vegan leather from leftover fruit. UnPlastic, by Outlander Materials, is developing an edible plastic alternative from beer effluent. Kusala Gifts makes soaps from coffee grounds and beer effluent, while LoopedGoods produces plant pots and notebooks from coffee waste. De Krekerij offers a sustainable food alternative with cricket flour-based products. SuperUse redesigned the building, incorporating sustainable architecture, and Okkehout provided upcycled furniture. BlueCity is expanding its reach, seeking collaboration with larger market players and has received funding from Ifund. The hub is also adapting to post-COVID-19 realities by enhancing its digital presence and planning to build a recording studio for global event streaming.