Inaugural Lecture by Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, Ban Ki-moon Chair on Climate Adaptation and Governance at the University of Groningen
Rotterdam, Feb. 06, 2025
Livestream: Livestream will be available at www.rug.nl/digitale-oratie
Amid Global Fragmentation, a New Economic Strategy Emerges
As multilateralism faces unprecedented challenges-from renewed geopolitical divisions to the retreat of international climate commitments-the world is at a crossroads. Against this backdrop, Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen will present The Resilience Endgame, arguing that scaling up climate adaptation is not only a necessity but a defining economic strategy of the 21st century.
With Donald Trump's return to the political stage casting uncertainty over global climate finance and major economies struggling with post-pandemic instability, how can nations future-proof their economies? Professor Verkooijen will make the case that adaptation is not a cost but an investment-one that can drive job creation, economic resilience, and global stability in a rapidly changing world.
Key Themes
- Beyond Paris: Is Global Climate Cooperation Dead? - What does the shifting political landscape mean for climate finance and adaptation investment?
- The End of Business as Usual - Why companies and financial institutions must embrace adaptation as a profitable and urgent strategy.
- The Geopolitics of Adaptation - How adaptation is becoming a key factor in economic competitiveness and national security.
Drawing on real-world data, major financial trends, and emerging policy shifts, Professor Verkooijen will present a compelling vision of adaptation as a catalyst for economic transformation.
Interview Opportunities
Professor Verkooijen is available for interviews on:
- The shifting global climate finance landscape post-Trump
- The role of the private sector in closing the $359 billion annual adaptation financing gap (https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/huge-uplift-needed-climate-adaptation-starting-finance-commitment?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Why adaptation is the missing piece in today's economic growth strategies
- What policymakers must do now to ensure global stability
To request an interview with Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen please contact:
Alex Gee, Head of Communications
Alex.gee@gca.org
