Climate Justice in three neighbourhoods in The Hague

Climate change affects cities unevenly. Heat stress, flooding and biodiversity loss often have the greatest impact on people with fewer resources, weaker social networks or limited access to green and safe public spaces.

This exploratory research focuses on three selected neighbourhoods in The Hague, where these challenges come together. By studying these areas in depth, the project aims to better understand how climate risks and social inequalities interact at the local level, and how urban interventions and governance can contribute to more just and resilient neighbourhoods.

Purpose of the research

The purpose of this exploratory research is to gain insight into how climate justice plays out in three specific neighbourhoods that we selected. The project investigates how climate risks, such as heat stress and flooding, overlap with social vulnerability and how this affects residents’ health, safety and quality of life.

The research aims to identify opportunities for more inclusive and effective climate adaptation strategies at a neighbourhood level. It also serves as a foundation for future research projects, collaborations and funding applications by generating initial knowledge, case-based insights and potential research directions.

Research

This exploratory study uses a practice-based and interdisciplinary approach. It combines spatial analysis, policy review, stakeholder engagement and case-study research in the three selected neighbourhoods.

Research activities may include mapping climate risks and social vulnerability, analyzing local policies and interventions and engaging with residents, community organizations and professionals. The study focuses on understanding local dynamics, identifying key challenges and exploring opportunities for climate-adaptive and socially inclusive urban development.

The findings from the three neighbourhoods will be compared to identify patterns, differences and transferable lessons.

Results

This exploratory research aims to deliver:

• Insight into the relationship between climate risks and social vulnerability in three neighbourhoods
• Case-based analyses of local climate justice challenges
• Identification of opportunities for inclusive climate adaptation strategies
• Initial frameworks or concepts for analyzing climate justice at neighbourhood level
• Recommendations for policymakers and practitioners
• Input for future research proposals and collaborations
• Contributions to education through case studies and student involvement

Financing 

Part of the PGO funding for the Transition to Sustainability Knowledge Agenda. We are doing exploratory research to gain knowledge on the urban climate justice issues and explore possible cooperations with regional and national partners. This research will serve as inputs for larger grant applications (such as Horizon Europe). 

Duration

Start date: 25th of May 2026
End date: To be determined

More information

For more information on this topic, opportunities for collaboration, student involvement or future research projects, please contact the Climate Justice project group:

Jacco Bruil ([email protected]) 
Sascha Binnendijk ([email protected])
Sylvia Bergh ([email protected]