Mid-term meeting in Utrecht

At the beginning of December, fifteen months after the start of our project, we gathered for a three-day in-person meeting in Utrecht. Our hosts from the Freudenthal Institute, Jelle and Wanda, prepared an intensive working programme for us in the beautiful setting of the greenhouses of Utrecht University’s Botanical Garden.

Throughout the meeting, we reviewed the progress of all research teams, reflected on what we have already achieved, and outlined the tasks ahead—both in terms of research and in strengthening our network, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. In addition to the working sessions, we also had the opportunity to attend a seminar on climate emotions led by Michiel van Harmskamp, and to meet researchers and educators who likewise focus on climate change education and the emotional experiences connected to it.

On the final day, we turned our attention to future plans, including potential project opportunities through which we could continue to develop HARP’s themes and maintain—or even expand—our consortium.

Face-to-face meetings are truly essential for keeping things running smoothly, and this one gave our team the perfect greenhouse effect!