As climate change increasingly impacts communities globally, societies must adapt to their new standards. While the impact of climate-related disasters for the Netherlands remains relatively modest, leading to a lower sense of urgency and limited public awareness or preparedness. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC).

This thesis introduces the Triple-E framework: Experience, Educate & Empower, as a strategic approach t enhance climate resilience and behavioural change in Dutch society. Despite the Netherlands being relatively unharmed by recent climate disasters, growing risks such as flooding, wildfires, and extreme weather highlight the need for anticipatory action. However, the lack of visible threats leads to low public awareness and minimal personal preparedness. The Triple-E framework is the way to bridge this gap as it introduces a design strategy grounded in behavioural science.

Experience
People have to be able to relate. Therefore, relatable simulations of future climate scenarios are proposed to build personal relevance and engagement.

Educate
Translate the experience into understanding by contextualization using real-world testimonials and clear, relatable information to build competence.

Empower
Provide actionable tools (e.g. emergency kits, working-with-nature) to enable autonomous, meaningful action.

The framework is based on behavioural theories such as the Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes the need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness to drive lasting behavioural change. Field studies in Dutch communities (Herkenbosch and Valkenburg) reinforced the need for proactive communication and social engagement strategies, even when direct disaster experiences do not translate into preparedness.

This framework is designed to be adaptable to different audience segments, from the general public to people in a vulnerable position and scalable from low-tech board games to immersive VR experiences. It offers practical tools for the NLRC to integrate international expertise into national programs and to position the NLRC not just as a responder, but as a climate adaptation leader.

The thesis concludes that through emotional engagement, contextual education, and practical empowerment, Dutch citizens can be guided from passive awareness to proactive resilience, strengthening both societal preparedness and the NLRC’s humanitarian mission.