In order to achieve the goals set in the Paris Climate Agreement, there is a growing number of solar parks in the Netherlands, often on farmland. Wageningen scientists join forces with solar park developers to study how nature may flourish under and in between solar panels. Because with sufficient space…
Half of all Dutch adults are overweight, which makes them more susceptible to corona. A healthier lifestyle may help mitigate the effects of a COVID-19 infection and help prevent various chronic illnesses. This alleviates the pressure on health care and gives us a head start in future pandemics. Wageningen researchers…
The Netherlands is urbanising. It is becoming increasingly important for city-dwellers to live happily and healthily. Simultaneously, we must preserve nature and adapt to climate change. Researchers developed a perspective on our country and cities in 100 years. With green in the leading role, through smart green roofs, hanging gardens…
The corona pandemic has revealed how vulnerable the global tourism industry is. Wageningen researchers, therefore, call for a reorientation on the role of tourism in society. This would allow local economies and nature conservation in, for example, Africa to become less dependent on tourists. It could also alleviate the pressure…
The Netherlands is designed for the rapid draining of superfluous rainwater. The dryer summers that result from climate change, however, also call for the storage of water. Wageningen researchers collaborate with water managers to discover what steps may be taken to increase water availability for agriculture and nature. For example:…
The environment, climate, and our health are often secondary to the way we produce, trade, and consume food globally. In preparation for the UN Food Summit in 2021, Wageningen scientists outline concrete pathways towards a sustainable and fair food system. They also call for an international food and agricultural agreement…
Together we can achieve a healthy and sustainable food system that respects people, animals and the earth. Researchers of Wageningen University & Research are cooperating with farmers and environmental organisations to provide a glimpse of what the Dutch food system could look like in 2050. In this system, farmers will…
Too much fertiliser impacts the environment. Fortunately, we can utilise the nutrients that are already available in the soil more efficiently, in keeping with circular agriculture. Wageningen scientists study the effect of earthworms on nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Earthworms eat both organic materials and soil particles and discharge…
Nature is more than just living plants and animals. Dispersing sand or overflowing rivers create habitats for species that thrive in these specific conditions. Wageningen scientists study opportunities for rewilding regions in the Netherlands and Europe. Wilder nature with swampy river banks led to breeding areas for different fish species…
One in every fifteen Dutch inhabitants has diabetes. This chronic condition is linked to our eating habits. That is why Wageningen scientists study how nutrition can contribute to preventing or treating diabetes. Cutting back on processed meats and increasing the intake of vegetables is proven to be effective. This fact…