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At the Wubbo Ockels School for Energy and Climate, researchers are working on innovative solutions to the major sustainability issues of our time, from technological innovation to circular systems and climate adaptation. Much of this research focuses on developing new methods, models and applications that contribute to a more sustainable world. In addition to the technological and policy aspects of sustainability, there is another, equally important question: how do we ensure that people are truly involved in this transition? Who decides on the design of our future energy supply? How are citizens involved? And what is needed to make that involvement truly meaningful?

According to Leah Henderson, it is crucial that we uphold the principle that scientific research is based on evidence. She is a professor by special appointment in Societal Trust, and affiliated with the Rudolf Agricola School of Sustainable Development. Henderson studies how we communicate about science. ‘Nowadays, you often hear people say: ‘’Science is just another opinion.’’ I completely disagree with that.’

Financial institutions and multinationals manage enormous cash flows. This means they play a central role not only in the global economy, but also in major political and social developments, such as the energy transition, international sanctions and geopolitical conflicts. Sometimes their influence is downright problematic. Banks can, consciously, facilitate cash flows to authoritarian regimes or companies that contribute to pollution. In such cases, the ethical boundary is clear. But there are also situations in which responsibility is less clear-cut. Can you hold a financial institution morally responsible for something it is not aware of?