📉 Climate change could cut Belgium’s GDP by 5% by 2050, 12% in disaster years, says Fed Planning Bureau & Climate Risk Centre. Coping will cost as much as ageing. 🔗 www.belganewsagency.eu/climate-change-could-damage-belgian-economy-by-up-to-5-per-cent-by-2050-study-warns

The US President called climate change a 'green energy scam' and UN predictions 'wrong'. But the IPCC has concluded that humans caused warming, models proved accurate, and renewables are now the cheapest power source. #FactCheck 🔗 edition.cnn.com/2025/09/23/politics/fact-check-un-speech-claims-trump

📢 We've launched a LinkedIn group for early-career climate researchers in Belgium! 🤝 It's your hub for jobs, funding & events. All our specific news for you will be shared there, so don't miss out. Join us! #EarlyCareerResearchers #ClimateScience #BelgiumResearch 🔗 www.linkedin.com/groups/14941...

📢 Calling Belgian experts! Help shape the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change & Cities. Review the first draft from 17 Oct to 12 Dec. Your input ensures the science is robust. Register by 30 Nov. with @ipcc.bsky.social | @belspo.be 🔗 www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

How do courts handle the Paris Agreement? A study of 148 cases shows they often ‘avoid’ the topic. But ‘alignment’ is a powerful tool. In 🇧🇪 Klimaatzaak case, the court ordered stronger emission cuts, showing how litigation can advance climate goals. @klimaatzaak.bsky.social 🔗 doi.org/10.1017/S204...

🏭 A VUB report shows Belgian industry can cut emissions by 90% by 2040. Key steps are electrifying heat and using carbon capture. But the next 5 years are crucial for building CO₂ and power grid infrastructure. Action is needed now. #ClimateAction #Belgium 🔗 www.brussels-school.be/research/pub...

🕷 A Belgian study from ULiège & partners on Tick-Borne Encephalitis in students finds very low exposure (0.48%) in a rising-risk area. A key finding as climate change alters disease patterns, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention. 🔗 doi.org/10.3390/v170...

🌱 Researchers at UGent developed MADI to analyse plant health under climate stress. It shows leaf temperature can rise 4°C in a drought, an early warning. It also identifies plant 'compactness' as a simple but key stress indicator. #AgriTech 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.pl...

✨ We’re looking for a new leader to help guide our dedicated team into the next chapter. If you’re excited by science, climate, and people, this could be for you! ⏳ Applications close Monday – just 5⃣️ days left! Apply here: 👉 FR: travaillerpour.be/fr/jobs/cfg2... 👉 NL: werkenvoor.be/nl/jobs/cng2...

Heatwaves, droughts and floods reduce regional prosperity and population. Local adaptation matters. 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.eu...

What does a #JustTransition mean to Belgian stakeholders? Research from the Université libre de Bruxelles maps four competing visions: Holistic, Workers-Centred, Social-Ecological State & Business-Centred. A consensus on participation, but deep divides on economic change. 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.ec...

🧬 As Arctic shipping surges due to climate change, what’s arriving with the ships? A study in 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 used eDNA to find the first traces of the invasive bay barnacle in Arctic Canada. A critical early warning for this fragile ecosystem. #Arctic #eDNA 🔗 doi.org/10.1111/gcb....

Calling all climate experts! The call for abstracts for the Belgian Science for Climate Action conference (17-18 March) is open. We're looking for research on achieving a just, climate-neutral Belgium. Deadline: 15 Oct Submit: events.spacepole.be/event/247 Conference: www.scienceforclimateaction.be

🎭 How can theatre tackle climate adaptation conflicts? A study in Urban Studies explores using drama labs to navigate disputes. In Genk, a ‘funeral for parking spaces’ helped locals process changes for water management. A creative approach from @UAntwerpen.be researchers: 🔗 doi.org/10.1177/0042...

Great for our SciComm Manager, Roberta, to attend #BePolar2025. 💡The focus on human health, geopolitics & outreach shows why linking polar research to climate policy is vital. A key area for the 🇧🇪 Belgian science community. #PolarScience 🔗 www.apecsbelgium.com/events/be-po...

🏭 A new Nature study (incl. VUB) links heatwaves to carbon majors. For 🇧🇪 Belgium’s 2003 & 2022 heatwaves, China Coal was the top corporate contributor. 25% of all studied heatwaves were ‘virtually impossible’ without climate change. 🔗 doi.org/10.1038/s415...

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 (𝐦/𝐟/𝐱)! Lead at the crossroads of climate science & policy, in Brussels 📅 Deadline: 22 Sept 🔗 Details: www.climatecentre.be/post/job-opp...

🌳 Forest damage is on the rise across Europe. A new study reveals Belgium's forest damage survey programmes face significant challenges in data accessibility & harmonisation. Improved data sharing is crucial for effective climate action. 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.fo...

Can we 'fix' polar warming with geoengineering? A critical assessment in 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, with input from VUB, says no ❌. The study finds proposed ideas dangerous and unworkable, urging for deep decarbonisation as the only real solution. 🔗 doi.org/10.3389/fsci...

📢 Experts wanted! Contribute to new European standards on climate services with CEN/TC 467 WG2. Strengthen trust, usability & comparability to support adaptation & risk management. Contact your National Standardisation Body (e.g. NBN.be) or email [email protected]

A reality check on carbon storage from a new Nature study: the planet's 'prudent' limit is ~1,460 Gt, far less than hoped. This scarce resource could only reverse ~0.7°C of warming if used for removal alone. #CCS #ClimateScience 🔗 doi.org/10.1038/s415... 🔗 www.ft.com/content/7ace...

Climate misinformation has shifted. The 'New Denial' attacks solutions, not just science, framing them as a 'scam' or 'control'. It even merges with other conspiracies, falsely linking climate action to COVID-19 measures. A complex new landscape. 🔗 doi.org/10.1017/sus....

Why are low-income countries more exposed to climate extremes? 🤔 A study in 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 from researchers at Ghent University, the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium & University of Antwerp points to a key driver: population growth, even more than climate change itself. 👇

Attribution science shows climate change is fuelling extremes. The Iberian wildfires? Fire-friendly weather is now ~40× more likely due to global warming, finds WW Attribution www.worldweatherattribution.org/extreme-fire-weather-conditions-in-spain-and-portugal-now-common-due-to-climate-change/

Over 85 scientists rebutted a flawed US govt climate report, calling it a ‘shoddy mess of cherry-picked data’. A crucial volunteer effort to uphold scientific integrity against misinformation. #ClimateScience 🔗 www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/02/trump-administration-climate-report

A study on 200k+ firms shows the circular economy's job impact is complex. Recycling strategies can boost employment by 15%, but the transition doesn't automatically favour low-skilled workers. 'Reuse' strategies are a notable exception. KU Leuven @uantwerpen.be vito.be 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.je...

🇧🇪 Research from @itmantwerp.bsky.social shows realistic climate fluctuations, not static lab conditions, accelerate malaria mosquito 🦟 development and rewire their immunity. This challenges current research methods and affects future genetic strategies for malaria control. doi.org/10.1111/gcb....

With 75% of young Europeans exposed to disinformation, and climate a top target, the 2024 #EUYouthSurvey shows Belgian youth stand out: they use both TV (31%) & social media (33%) for news, but also face more fake news (54% vs 44% EU). Media literacy is urgent. 🔗 europa.eu/eurobaromete...

Early autumn in Belgium? 🍂 With a dry summer, trees are shedding leaves early as a survival tactic, highlighting the impact of climate change. This is prompting foresters to plant more resilient species like tolerant oaks. 🔗 www.rtbf.be/article/feui... (in French)

Belgium’s new school year is a great moment to teach climate science: 🧪 climate workshops by UA & ULg (10–14) 📚 ecoleduclimat.be / klimaatopschool.be (10–18) with teacher tools. Join in! More info: FR: climat.be/education NL: klimaat.be/educatie developed by WWF.be & federal climatechange.be

Our next newsletter drops next week with: 🔥insights on a record-breaking summer 📣 call for abstracts (Science for Climate Action 2026 conference) 🎓 early-career community 🍪 Climate Cookies & Coffee seminars Subscribe now (quarterly mailing)! ➡️ www.climatecentre.be/newsletter

From Nov, @RTBF.be’s weather show goes live with daily climate analysis from ULiege.be experts—a boost for science communication in Belgium. Hopefully VRT.be follows for nationwide reach. 🔗 www.rtbf.be/article/un-n...

Study warns Atlantic current (#AMOC) may collapse within decades, even under low emissions. Risks include disrupted rainfall, colder Europe, higher seas, and severe climate upheaval. 🔗study: doi.org/10.1029/2025... 🔗 Guardian: www.theguardian.com/environment/...

🌪️ A report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (counterhate.com): misinformation on extreme weather puts lives at risk. Platforms failed to fact-check >98% of 300 viral posts with 221m views. This digital chaos needs accountability. #Disinformation 🔗 caad.info/analysis/rep...

🤝 Is Belgium's social security ready for climate risks? A report from UCLoucain & @ulbruxelles.bsky.social suggests a new 'social-ecological' model: a dedicated branch for climate risks, universal basic services & transition incomes for green jobs. 🔗 doi.org/10.5281/zeno...

Seven 🇧🇪 experts will co-author the next IPCC‬ reports, incl. AR7 & the Cities Special Report. Their work will help shape global climate policy. More info on @belspo.be NL 👉 www.belspo.be/belspo/organ... FR 👉 www.belspo.be/belspo/organ... @ipcc.bsky.social ‪#IPCC #AR7

♻️ How can the circular economy be socially just? A study in Flanders shows how: Nearly 50% of circular firms already partner with Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs), valuing their flexibility. A blueprint for a just transition. @uantwerpen.be 🔗 doi.org/10.1002/bse....

🐠 The North Sea is 'tropicalising'. Belgium's VLIZ (@vliz.be) reports a 2°C temperature rise in 60 years, causing fish species to shift north. Citizen science is key to tracking these ecosystem changes. #ClimateChange #OceanScience 🔗 unric.org/en/climate-tropicalisation-of-the-north-sea/

Fact-check: Viral 'redder' weather maps are misleading comparisons. The irony? A VRT NWS (@vrtnws.be) meteorologist warns that 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 warming will soon force colour scales to become 'redder than red'. 🌡️ www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/07/01/hardnekkig-maar-misleidend-fotocollages-met-beweringen-over-r/

The EU is battling ~11,000 invasive species. To manage the threat, regions like Flanders are tripling their control budgets as climate change helps the invaders establish. Key targets include the Asian hornet & tiger mosquito. www.belganewsagency.eu/flemish-budget-to-combat-invasive-species-triples

💪 Is climate anxiety paralyzing? A major meta-analysis in Global Environmental Change suggests it is a powerful motivator. While linked to lower well-being, it is strongly and positively associated with collective climate action and policy support. A truly adaptive response. doi.org/10.1016/j.gl...

🔥Ghent University expert in De Morgen: climate change fuels rising forest fire risk in Belgium 🇧🇪, yet the country lacks a coordinated monitoring system. 🔗 www.demorgen.be/nieuws/na-de-verwoestende-branden-in-frankrijk-het-fundamentele-probleem-blijft-de-klimaatopwarming~b8b0f16a/ (in Dutch, paywall)

🌊 How to manage flood risk? Look to the Scheldt estuary. Flanders is showing the way by blending engineering with nature restoration, a success story highlighted in a study involving the University of Antwerp. A model for coastal resilience. #NatureBasedSolutions 🔗 doi.org/10.17645/oas...

Europe's 🆕 MetOp-SG 🛰 launches to boost climate resilience & weather forecasting! This mission is a major step for climate science, with key 🇧🇪 contributions from Belspo & the Royal Meteo. Institute www.belganewsagency.eu/esa-launches-new-satellite-to-improve-weather-forecasting-and-climate-analysis

Ghent University research reveals southern plants moved to Belgium survive better in open forests, unlike in their native Italy. Forest management for climate adaptation is context-dependent. From Ecology Letters. #ecology #biodiversity | fornalab.bsky.social 🔗 doi.org/10.1111/ele....

WMO is seeking Lead Authors for the climate policy and action section of the European State of the Climate report. This vital annual publication (WMO/C3S) covers key regional themes. Experts from RA VI (Europe) are encouraged to apply. Deadline: 31 August 2025. www.linkedin.com/posts/belgia...

🌳 Flanders cleared 209 hectares of forest in 2024, the equivalent of almost 300 football pitches. With 91% of felling permits approved, this loss of mature trees impacts essential cooling and carbon absorption. 🔗 www.belganewsagency.eu/300-football-fields-of-forest-cut-down-in-flanders-in-2024

🌾 Statbel's 2024 harvest data for Belgium: challenging weather led to a 41% drop in winter wheat production. Farmers adapted by boosting spring wheat output by 185%. A striking example of agricultural resilience and adaptation in practice. statbel.fgov.be/en/themes/ag...

A key partnership for Flemish agriculture: Boerenbond and KU Leuven's TRANSfarm are strengthening their collaboration, aiming to better connect research with on-the-ground farming. www.landbouwleven.be/23075/article/2025-08-06/boerenbond-en-onderzoeksboerderij-ku-leuven-versterken-samenwerking

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we celebrate 476 million people across 5,000 cultures. Their unique knowledge is vital to protecting our planet. Honouring their rights is essential for a sustainable future for us all. www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day