Netherlands Risks Missing 2030 Climate Goals

The Netherlands is unlikely to meet its EU-mandated 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with current policies only projected to achieve a 44-52% reduction compared to 1990 levels, according to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). Factors contributing to this shortfall include delays in offshore wind farm projects, stagnation in green hydrogen production, and recent government decisions to scrap road taxes and subsidies for solar panels. Climate Minister Sophie Hermans acknowledged the challenges and promised additional measures, but critics argue the current administration's policies are counterproductive. The PBL emphasized that without significant action, the Netherlands will need to cut an additional 24 megatons of CO2 to have any chance of meeting its targets. Last year, CO2 emissions were reported to be 34% lower than in 1990, indicating a decrease but insufficient for future goals. The situation remains critical as the country prepares for the upcoming COP29 climate conference.