New perspective in Climate Policy: "Toward a fossil free research norm in Dutch higher education"

[Blondeel, M.C. (Mathieu)]

*****APOLOGIES FOR CROSS-POSTING*****

Dear colleagues,

We just published a perspective in Climate Policy with Philipp Pattberg, reflecting on the contested decision-making process at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam around the policy to "no longer enter into research partnerships with companies in the fossil fuel industry" in 2023. We adapt the 'discourses of climate delay' framework (Lamb et al. 2020) to explore how this 'Fossil Free Research norm' has been - and continues to be - contested in a changing political environment. 

Open access link:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14693062.2025.2581138?src=#abstract

Abstract: 

In April 2023, the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam became the second university in the world, the first in Europe, to ‘no longer enter into research partnerships with companies in the fossil fuel industry’. VU took on the mantle of ‘norm champion’ and led a national dialogue with the Dutch academic community, industry and civil society organizations, in view of rethinking their ties with the fossil fuel industry. This Perspective explores the dynamics of what we call a ‘fossil free research’ (FFR) norm, part of a wider population of emerging, yet heavily contested, international ‘anti-fossil fuel norms’. Adapting the ‘discourses of climate delay’ framework, we explore how the FFR norm has been contested at VU and other Dutch higher education institutions. The dynamics of the FFR norm show that a more nuanced understanding – beyond the overly simplistic binary engagement/disengagement – is needed to fully grasp the tools at the disposal of societal stakeholders to rethink their ties with the fossil fuel industry. Moreover, in the current shifting political climate in the Netherlands and other ‘Western’ countries, anti-fossil fuel norms should not be taken for granted as they continue to be subjected to contestation, change, and backsliding.

Don't hesitate to reach out in case of questions!

All the best from Amsterdam,

Mathieu 

Dr. Mathieu Blondeel

Assistant Professor (Universitair docent)

Environmental Policy Analysis – Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)

Mailing address: NU-Building, De Boelelaan 1111, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Publications: Mathieu Blondeel — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (vu.nl)

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