Who is Maartje?

Maartje Bregman is a climate optimist, and when she talks about sustainability, she lights a fire. And that fire is contagious. Her audience becomes enthusiastic and often shares with her afterwards how they are already committed to sustainability or want to become so because of her story. According to her listeners, Maartje has infectious enthusiasm and the courage to speak her mind. She has the ability to use her vulnerability and fear as a tremendous strength, and is not limited by “that’s just how we do things” frameworks. In addition to climate change, she also addresses issues such as injustice and inequality. Honesty and equality are close to her heart, and she makes no secret of this.

What does Maartje do?

Maartje is not fond of finger-pointing and lengthy discussions (although she does not shy away from them). She prefers to connect with her audience by sketching recognisable situations. Feelings of powerlessness, frustration, ignorance and your role in this complex problem. You feel heard, understood and motivated to continue or take the first steps. Maartje has a large network and knows how to connect links like in a large spider’s web. She is ambitious and a “dreamer who takes action”. She seizes opportunities with both hands and enjoys establishing collaborations. She brings this energy and experience with her to the stage.

What does Maartje talk about?

Looking at the models of climate scientists and the progress made in achieving the goals set for 2030 and 2050, Maartje holds her breath. We are not doing enough yet, is also the message from Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion, for example. Maartje recognises that activists like them are desperately needed to reach the general public. In her lectures, Maartje will certainly address the problem, focusing on the urgency and the impact it is already having, and then she will move on to “how can I make a difference as part of society”? We are not individuals working together, we are a group working together, with all of us taking individual actions that may or may not contribute to our common goal.

Maartje’s own experience shows how important a positive and hopeful narrative is. For your mental health, but also because it reaches a larger group of people and thus increases the impact.

Maartje’s mottos

‘I want people to leave the room with their heads held high, realising that they are part of the solution.’

‘Everyone must take responsibility. Because if we all do this, we can really achieve something.’

‘What if you’re not the drop in the ocean, but the drop that makes the bucket overflow?’

‘The fact is that we are all influenced and influence others ourselves. It’s time to use this for good. Not just me, but everyone. Use your voice or talent for good!’

‘I then give those blown-away people a hand to take concrete steps together.’