Take the future into your own hands for a climate neutral and climate resilient future
"Decide together what we want our country to look like in 2050. How we live together, how we use our limited space, how we earn money. From there, make a strategy for a climate-resistant and climate-neutral Netherlands in 2050." That is one of the main recommendations in the first advice of the Netherlands Scientific Climate Council (WKR) to government and parliament, 'All aboard for the transitions'.
Much to be gained with firm climate policy
The Netherlands is a low-lying, water-rich country that is vulnerable to climate change. The consequences are felt everywhere: drought on agricultural land, flooding in the region and the Randstad and heat in urban areas. Therefore, our country has much to gain from pursuing a firm climate policy and taking control of what we want the Netherlands to look like in the future. This can be done with a vision of how we want to live, work and live together healthily and safely in the future.
The Minister of Climate and Energy has asked the WKR to advise on the Climate Plan 2025-2035, which must be ready in 2024. The report All aboard for the transitions contains recommendations for this, which are based on recent scientific insights from various fields.
Jan Willem Erisman, chairman of the WKR:
Climate policy starts with an attractive and shared vision of the future. From there, make choices that help accelerate climate neutrality and become climate-proof. We face a great challenge, but if we do this together, looking broadly at interconnections between societal challenges, it can be done.
An attractive vision of the future
The WKR advises the government to focus the Climate Plan on a broadly supported vision of a climate neutral and climate resilient Netherlands. People are concerned about climate change, but also about energy prices, health and good care, the cost of groceries, nature or the livability of their neighborhoods. From this vision, choices can be made now and priorities can be set. The Council believes that especially in the areas of food, energy and circular economy, choices can be made that can strengthen climate policy.
Speeding up towards 2050 by setting a target for 2040
According to the WKR, the government must take the lead in ensuring that we have reduced the majority of greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. In this way, the Netherlands will be better prepared for possible setbacks and will have flexibility for the toughest phase of emission reduction– the one lasting from 2040 to 2050. This acceleration can be achieved through transitions in the areas of food, circular economy and energy since that is where the largest greenhouse gas emissions occur. The exact challenge is different for each transition, but good governance cooperation, a good mix of policy instruments and incentivizing more sustainable behavior are recurring success factors, according to the Council.
Making the transition equitable and for everyone
Climate neutral means a net zero of greenhouse gas emissions. This requires action from of everyone. It is important to keep involving society in the widest sense of the word, so everyone feels involved and can contribute. This requires great care from the government in bringing about a just transition, with the challenge being divided up in a fair manner, broad inclusiveness and with attention to restoring injustices.