Dutch court orders government to cut GHG emissions

The Hague District Court has ruled that the Netherlands must take more action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

The judge ordered the Dutch government to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 percent by 2020 from benchmark 1990 levels.

The case was brought to court by Urgenda Foundation, a citizens’ platform which develops plans and measures to prevent climate change.

The foundation also represents 886 individuals in this case.

Based on the country’s current policy, the Netherlands will achieve a reduction of 17 percent at most in 2020, which is below the norm of 25 percent to 40 percent for developed countries deemed necessary in climate science and international climate policy, according to de Rechtspraak, the Netherlands Judiciary website.

“The State (the Netherlands) must do more to avert the imminent danger caused by climate change, also in view of its duty of care to protect and improve the living environment.

“The State is responsible for effectively controlling the Dutch emission levels. Moreover, the costs of the measures ordered by the court are not unacceptably high.

“Therefore, the State should not hide behind the argument that the solution to the global climate problem does not depend solely on Dutch efforts. Any reduction of emissions contributes to the prevention of dangerous climate change and as a developed country the Netherlands should take the lead in this,” it is stated on de Rechtspraak website, in connection with the ruling.

This is the first time that a judge has legally required a state to take precautions against climate change, Urgenda’s press release reads.

Marjan Minnesma, who in 2013 initiated this case against the Netherlands, said: “All the plaintiffs are overjoyed by the result. This makes it crystal clear that climate change is a huge problem that needs to be dealt with much more effectively, and that states can no longer afford inaction. States are meant to protect their citizens, and if politicians will not do this of their own accord, then the courts are there to help.”

The Dutch Urgenda Foundation aims for a fast transition towards a sustainable society, with a focus on the transition towards a circular economy using only renewable energy.

Image: Urgenda/Chantal Bekker