Focused on the Future

To ensure ecological sustainability, it is necessary to fundamentally change current production processes and consumption patterns. This can be done by imposing new restrictions on producers and consumers, or by increasing the price gap between sustainable and unsustainable alternatives through taxes and levies. However, the question stands: How do we balance the long term effects with the short term actions?Our guests this episode are:Tom Bouwman, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Private Law at Leiden UniversityMartijn Snoep, Chair of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM)Ana Poças Ribeiro, Postdoctoral Researcher on Circular Economy at Utrecht UniversityMichèlle Bal, Assistant Professor in Interdisciplinary Social Science at Utrecht UniversityJoel Anderson, Professor of Moral Psychology & Social Philosophy at Universiteit Utrecht

Large-scale changes, like the Covid pandemic, make it clear that inequality exists, and is being reinforced as a result. We tend to look at governments to counter inequalities due to these changes, but what role do communities play? How do communities respond?The main question we explore in this episode: What role do communities play in societal changes for the long-term benefit?Joining the conversation with our host Glenn van der Burg, this episode's guests include:Mara Yerkes, Sociologist and Professor of Comparative Social Policy at Utrecht University Mucahid Bayrak, Assistant Professor in Human Geography and Spatial Planning at Utrecht UniversityJulie Fraser, Assistant Professor with the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights at Utrecht University

Climate change is a global problem that affects both current and future generations. Companies, governments, NGO’s and civilians have to play their role in preventing the impact of climate change. What role does the law play?Due to a year long campaign, the UN General Assembly unanimously made a historic decision by requesting the International Court of Justice to issue an Advisory Opinion on the legal obligations regarding climate change. In the Netherlands, the Urgenda Foundation won their case against the Dutch Government. Royal Dutch Shell also lost their case about CO2 reduction. Not meeting the CO2 reduction targets is endangering the human rights of Dutch citizens.In what way can the law protect against future damage and interests of the unborn? And to what extent can judges make decisions on issues with far-reaching consequences for the environment? How can law or the judge actually ensure a sustainable and liveable world for future generations?Joining the conversation with our host Glenn van der Burg, this episode's guests include:Elbert de Jong, Professor of Private Law at Utrecht UniversityNatalie Dobson, Assistant Professor of International & European Law and Climate Change at Utrecht UniversityMathijs Boom, Lecturer of History and Philosophy of Science at Utrecht University

Although investors tend to look at the short term, they are forced to contribute to global problems that require a long-term view. Crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss and growing inequality lead to new risks, regulations and pressure from the public opinion.However, simply investing ‘more’ will not be sufficient. How can investments positively impact long-term global challenges? What changes are needed to let investment work towards sustainability in stead of against it?Joining the conversation about investing for the long term with our host Glenn van der Burg, this episode's guests include:Johan Schot, Professor Global History and Sustainability at Utrecht University and Founder of the Deep Transitions ProjectDiana Velasco, Anthropologist, systems engineer and currently Research Fellow at IngenioRoberta Benedetti del Rio, Sustainability-focused investor and impact consultantFriedemann Polzin, Associate Professor at the Utrecht University School of Economics and Member of the Sustainable Finance LabMartijn Klop, Master Student at Utrecht University and co-founder of the Effective Altruism student group

In the podcast series Focused on the Future, individuals, stakeholders, and scientists come together to talk about new views on big issues based on longtermism. First up — Climate change: how do we deal with sea level rise and the future of land development in the Netherlands? We are raising the dikes to prevent flooding. Just as we have been doing for centuries. But can we keep on doing this, knowing that a large part of The Netherlands is already below sea level? We have invited Petra Goessen of the Regional Water Authority in the North West of The Netherlands (in Dutch: Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier) in our studio to share her thoughts about the future challenges in her work and responsibility.Three academic thinkers join the conversation with our host Glenn van der Burg to share their longterm viewpoint on climate change:Herman Kasper Gilissen, Associate Professor of Utrecht University Centre for Water, Oceans and Sustainability LawRak Kim, Assistant Professor of Global Environmental Governance in the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht UniversityKim Cohen, Assistant Professor of Physical Geography at Utrecht University