Netherlands

NetherlandsNetherlands

PopulationPopulation 16.6 million16.6 million

Growth RateGrowth Rate 0.436%0.436%

Land AreaLand Area 41,526 sq km41,526 sq km

Annual GDPAnnual GDP $768.7 billion$768.7 billion

The CIA World Factbook 2008The CIA World Factbook 2008

National Environmental National Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP)Policy Plan (NEPP)

• The first NEPP adopted in 1989 as a response to discoveries of air pollution and soil contamination.

• The most recent policy plan, NEPP-4, has a horizon of 2030.

PurposePurpose

To provide a broader, more future-oriented vision [than the previous environmental policy plan].

VisionVision

“Environmental policy should contribute towards a safe and healthy life within an attractive living environment and surrounded by dynamic nature areas, without damaging global biodiversity or depleting natural resources, at present, elsewhere and in the future.” (NEPP-4)

Future Environment Future Environment AgendaAgenda• The Cabinet’s plan

for implementing environmental policy and the goals of NEPP

• Adopted in 2006

VisionVision

PrinciplesPrinciples

Sustainable developmentPrevention of adverse activitiesPrecautionary policy-makingAbatement at sourcePolluter paysAs Low As Reasonably Achievable

(ALARA)

ComprehensiveComprehensive

1. of large scope;

covering or involving

much; inclusive

2. comprehending mentally;

having an extensive mental range or

grasp.

ChallengesChallenges

• Loss of Biodiversity• Climate Change• Air Pollution• Acidification• Noise Pollution• Hazardous Waste• Water Quality

IndicatorsIndicators

Climate changeAcidificationEutrophicationToxics dispersionWaste disposal

Local nuisance (noise & order)

Groundwater depletion

Squandering

Air PollutionAir Pollution

FactFact

• The Netherlands spends 3% of its national income mitigating environmental issues.– This is more than twice the European

average.

Source:

SystemicSystemic

1. of or pertaining to a system.

2. Physiology, Pathology.

(a) pertaining to or affecting the

body as a whole. (b) pertaining to

or affecting a particular body

system.

““Future-Proof” PolicyFuture-Proof” Policy

1. A government that regulates more effectively;

2. Room for healthy growth;3. Bringing environmental policy

closer to the citizen.

When policy is implemented, quality should improve and causing unnecessary irritation on the part of citizens and the business community should be avoided. (Future Environment Agenda)

Words of WisdomWords of Wisdom

Policy InstrumentsPolicy Instruments

Netherlands Green Plan

Implementation

EnvironmentalTechnology

FinancialInstruments

SocialInstruments

EnvironmentalReporting

InternationalEnvironmentalAgreements

Direct Regulation

Matrix for Policy DecisionsMatrix for Policy Decisions

Dimensional Aspects

Economic Social and Cultural

Environmental

Here and Now

In the Future

Elsewhere in the World

Source: VROM International

Clean AirClean Air

Provinces and municipalities must implement local measures to mitigate air pollution.

BiodiversityBiodiversity

• Government was working on an Ecobalance system to measure the environmental impact of a company, product, or activity.

Waste ManagementWaste Management

• As of 2003, the Netherlands recycled 80% of waste material.

• Of all EU countries, the Netherlands puts a least amount of waste in landfills.

2003

Waste ManagementWaste Management

Climate ChangeClimate Change

Air PollutionAir Pollution

Leading by ExampleLeading by Example

• Sustainable Government Operations program launched in 2006.

• By 2010, government hopes that sustainability will be the guiding factor for all government purchases.

EU RelationsEU Relations

IntegrativeIntegrative

1. to bring together or incorporate

(parts) into a whole. 2. to make up,

combine, or complete to

produce a whole or a larger unit, as

parts do. 3. to unite or

combine.

Private Sector Private Sector CooperationCooperation• Voluntary agreements (covenants)

are made between businesses and government to set emission reduction goals.

• Long-term goals allow flexibility for businesses to adapt practices over time, according to financial cycles.

Private Sector CooperationPrivate Sector Cooperation

• Starting in 2008, businesses will report to one single office (rather than 500 different ones) for licenses and monitoring.

Consumer EducationConsumer Education

Dealing with major environmental problems demands far-reaching social changes.

How much is How much is environmentenvironmental policy al policy worth to the worth to the public?public?

Consumer EducationConsumer Education

• Government and businesses are accountable for progress on reducing emissions.

• The National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) provides public report cards every two years on government and industry progress.

AccountableAccountable

1. subject to the obligation

to report, explain, or justify

something; responsible; answerable.

2. capable of being explained; explicable;

explainable.

Targets (example)Targets (example)

DecouplingDecoupling

EfficiencyEfficiency