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Green Plans in Action: Netherlands: Beyond the Borders
Acidification and Air Pollution
Chemical substances such as SO2, NOx, NH3, and VOCs are causing acidification and air pollution which is, in turn, having adverse effects on human health, eutrophication, deterioration of groundwater quality, and damage to buildings and materials. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of the acid rain and nitrogen deposits in the Netherlands originates in other countries, with even greater contributions to ozone and particulates from other European countries. To improve air quality, the Netherlands government is pursuing a two-track policy of both national regulations and economic incentives, and encouraging international regulations. (More...)
Global Climate Change
Recognizing the climate system as a shared resource, in 1994 the Netherlands signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to support intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge. In February 2005, The Netherlands was among the first nations to sign the Kyoto Protocol. Due to global climate change the oceans are rising, and with 30% of their land below sea level, it behooves the Dutch to take the lead in arresting the progression of climate change and inspire other nations to join them. According to NEPP 4, global emissions must be stabilized at present levels by 2030 and halved by 2100. At current rates, the world is heading for twice the CO2 emission rate by 2030. (More...)
Global Commons
Negotiating international agreements and regulations for sustainable management of the oceans and Antarctica is another area where the Netherlands is in the forefront. In particular, progress has been made by setting more strict requirements than demanded by international agreements on industrial discharges in the Netherlands. This is also true in the international waters of the Rhine basin with respect to heavy metals and other pollutants. The Netherlands is committed to entering into global agreements on sustainable fishing based on the precautionary principle to be finalized no later than 2015.
GMO Precautions
The numbers of genetically modified plants being grown worldwide are continually increasing, which has brought about a debate on the possibility of uncontrolled spread of transgenic DNA through the environment. The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) advises the government on the potential risks of genetic modification to human health and the environment, and brings ethical and social issues linked to genetic modification to the attention of the ministers involved.
Sustainable Supply Chains
As a trading nation, The Netherlands are a key player in many areas, including reducing or halting unwanted effects for sustainable development in other countries. This raises the question of whether production methods, social conditions, and environmental load and/or ecological parameters in countries of product origin are sustainable. Global trading has brought attention to the need for clarity regarding sustainability claims, quality labeling, and reorganization of initiatives in supply chains from business-to-business and raw material to end product. This has led to new initiatives such as the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable fisheries and the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil.
International Trade and Transboundary Issues
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