PHD-opening for Environmental Accounting for Nature-Based Solutions in Environmental Policy

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are a key topic in climate policy, but their role, especially in offsetting schemes, remains debated. For instance, bioenergy and tree planting are often treated inconsistently in carbon accounting, highlighting the need for more coherent frameworks. Emerging policies like the EU Carbon Removal Certification Scheme and the Paris Agreement’s Article 6.4 lack clarity on NBS implementation, and efforts like the "Trillion Tree Campaign" have faced criticism for their weak monitoring and diverting attention for much needed reduction of fossil fuel emissions and reducing deforestation. This 4-year PhD, part of the NL2120 Growth Fund Program, will explore the accounting challenges in NBS, including the integration of biogenic carbon, biodiversity, and co-benefits like water quality and availability.

Your research will focus on Environmental Accounting for Nature-Based Solutions by:

1. Evaluating Existing Accounting Frameworks: Assess how biogenic carbon and biodiversity are accounted for in policies (e.g., the Paris Agreement, Nature Restoration Law)
2. Investigating Key Accounting Paradigms: Determine how impacts of NBS are accounted for in LCA, corporate accounting and integrated assessment models, and derive recommendations for improving Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods.
3. Assessing specific NBS with LCA (based on 1 and 2): Conduct an LCA analysis for NBS in the Netherlands for example regarding wetland restoration.
4. Critical perspective on NBS: Determine the risk of mitigation deterrence and potential conflicts with agriculture or housing development.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team from academia, consultancy, and government to ensure the research is both scientifically rigorous and policy-relevant.

Requirements:

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join our team. Our new colleague has the following profile:

• Curious and eager to engage in interdisciplinary research
• Holds (or is about to finish) a Master’s degree in engineering, natural science or social science that is relevant to the PhD topic
• Has experience or strong interest in one or more of the following: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and environmental footprints (esp. carbon and water footprint), environmental economics, environmental policy, forestry, GIS or related fields
• Enjoys working in a multidisciplinary research setting with an international research team to achieve both scientific excellence and policy relevance
• Proficient in written and oral English and strong (professional) communication skills
• As the working language of the project is Dutch, speaking Dutch or high motivation to learning Dutch is an advantage but not a requirement

Salary Benefits:

The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research, excellent working conditions, enthusiastic colleagues, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

We offer:

• A full-time four-year PhD position, with a qualifier exam after 6-9 months.
• A starting salary of € 2.901- in the first year and growing to € 3.707,- in the fourth-year gross per month.
• 30% tax ruling option.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A minimum of 41 holidays in case of full-time employment.
• A proven pension scheme.
• Professional and personal development programs.
• Extraordinary research facilities and working environment:

38 hours per week

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