Dutch climate tech leaders Koen Verberne and Thijs Perenboom share insights on tackling climate change with 52impact’s pioneering sustainability strategies.
As part of COP29’s November climate initiatives, 52impact, a Netherlands-based sustainability tech firm, stands out for its innovative approach to transforming spatial imagery into actionable climate data. Founded in 2017, 52impact develops, presents, and commercialises spatial data solutions that serve industries facing climate challenges. Co-founders Koen Verberne and Thijs Perenboom, interviewed for this initiative, shared insights into their journey and the mission driving 52impact’s work across multiple sectors.
Verberne shared his connection to climate change, explaining that global challenges become tangible when viewed locally. This perspective drives 52impact’s mission of using global data to provide actionable local insights. Perenboom’s inspiration comes from witnessing environmental degradation and a desire to influence corporate sustainability with data-driven decisions.
Their expertise in space technology and geospatial data plays a crucial role in their work, allowing 52impact to monitor resources like water, food, and shelter—all directly affected by climate change. Satellite imagery, for example, provides historical insights into agricultural patterns and water resources, helping businesses make informed decisions based on decades of data.
In Southeast Asia, 52impact aids corporations, especially in the food and beverage industry, in identifying and mitigating risks associated with water scarcity and supply chains. The region’s rapid population and economic growth have amplified resource challenges, making 52impact’s data solutions valuable for implementing effective climate adaptation strategies.
Europe’s proactive stance on climate awareness has boosted business accountability, with 52impact supporting industries by providing data that informs green financing and resource allocation. Verberne notes that European consumer awareness has encouraged companies to adopt sustainability measures, while Perenboom emphasises the importance of timely action to prevent biodiversity loss.
As financing remains a hurdle, both founders advocate for rigorous data-backed assessments that demonstrate the real impact of green investments. Their team helps financial institutions track the effectiveness of sustainability efforts, ensuring funds are directed to projects with the greatest environmental impact.
When asked about regions most affected by climate change, the founders explained that climate impacts are global, with varying regional effects over time. According to Verberne, water resources present one of the most pressing global concerns, affecting agriculture, communities, and industries worldwide. Perenboom added that unpredictable weather patterns make climate preparedness essential for both public and private sectors.
Looking ahead to 2025, Verberne and Perenboom hope to see businesses increasingly integrating sustainability into their core operations. They aim to empower organisations with localised data that support impactful, scalable solutions to global climate challenges.
Solyh Ahmad
Solyh Ahmad is a MENAT correspondent and passionately writes on current affairs related to international trade and diplomacy in the region. He has helped and advised many companies looking to establish and internationalise into the MENAT regions. Connect with him via LinkedIn.
