Scientist Rebellion took action on Monday morning at the entrance of the Aula. Activists distributed flyers at the New Year's gathering outlining points that the university should implement in the new year. Point one: declare a climate emergency.

Microbiologist Marjan Smeulders from Scientist Rebellion appreciates the new PR campaign of Radboud University, emphasizing that mankind has become a threatened species. ‘But if the university conveys that message, it should be accompanied by more action.’

Therefore, Scientist Rebellion has drafted seven ‘New Year’s resolutions,’ which are distributed Monday morning to all attendees of the New Year’s gathering in the Aula. At the top of the list: declare a climate emergency.

Urgency

‘The universities in Rotterdam and Utrecht have already done that. They no longer speak of a climate crisis but of a climate emergency.’ It is the way for a university to emphasize the urgency of the problem, according to Smeulders.

Wearing a white lab coat, she distributes the flyers shortly before noon – it’s bitterly cold. Three Radboud colleagues assist her at the entrance of the building where university president Daniël Wigboldus will later emphasize the crucial role of science in seeking a new sustainable balance in which babies also have a future.

‘The university must set a good example’

‘The university must set a good example; it has a pioneering role,’ says Smeulders. ‘If we don’t do it, then who will?’

Scientist Rebellion believes that the energy transition in Europe needs to be accelerated. EU government leaders agreed in 2020 that the energy supply should be nearly entirely sustainable and carbon-neutral by 2050, but the activists want to bring the finish line forward to 2030. ‘This applies to us in the affluent West; we should be able to achieve that easily. This way, we give the Global South the opportunity to develop in that direction as well, which would be much fairer.’

Support

Other proposed New Year’s resolutions from the activist scientists include: cutting all ties with the fossil fuel industry as a university, switching to sustainable banks, ensuring 100 per cent plant-based food in the cafeterias, and making sure all students are prepared in their education for the future that awaits them.

‘This goes beyond attention to sustainability, which already exists in many curricula at Radboud University. Students should know the content of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, ed.) report and understand what is at stake.’

Smeulders emphasizes that the university administration must support students and staff who want to participate in climate demonstrations. ‘I have been a member of Scientist Rebellion from the beginning, two years ago, and for a long time, I was the only scientist from Nijmegen who had joined. That gives a very uncomfortable feeling. I have been arrested once, and my name is very easy to find. It would make a huge difference if we, students and staff taking action for the climate, could read in a statement that we are supported by our university.’

Translated by Siri Joustra