Dr Daphina Misiedjan appointed to the prestigious Young Academy

Raising awareness of climate injustice

Dr Misiedjan’s research focuses on environmental justice and explores how different groups within society are affected by climate change and environmental pollution. Her most recent research looks at climate inequality between countries and within countries. Amongst others, she illustrates how communities who have contributed little to the climate crisis actually experience more impact from it and that social inequality often amplifies the unequal impact of environmental pollution and climate change. Daphina frequently speaks about her research on various platforms to strengthen the science-society relationship, including the Dutch television program Brainwash, the University of the Netherlands and most recently NPO Radio 1.

Contributing to the science-policy nexus

In November 2022, Dr Misiedjan was also invited to a roundtable on sustainable development organized by the Dutch House of Representatives. In the position paper she submitted, she raised awareness about the existing climate agreements not applying to the Dutch Caribbean islands, even though they are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As a result, the islands do not have access to international financing for climate adaptation and mitigation, despite experiencing current threats such as hurricanes. In addition, the risen sea levels threaten the island of Bonaire with losing one fifth of its territory within the next 80 years if the climate goals are not met. Dr. Misiedjan called for equal obligations and rights within the Kingdom, as well as the development of a plan that takes into account the socioeconomic and environmental context of the Caribbean islands.

About The Young Academy membership

Members of The Young Academy are appointed for a period of five years. Dr Misiedjan is one of 10 new members who will be installed in 2023.