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Green Plans in Action: Netherlands: Scientific Foundation
The National Environmental Policy Plan of the Netherlands is firmly based on a scientific foundation of research, data, monitoring, and feedback with an intention to reach sustainability within one generation. Following are examples and links related to the NEPP's scientific process.
Science Behind the Policies
The National Institute for Health and Environment (RIVM) is an independent, government-funded research science institute that monitors and assesses, environmental and health conditions on a national and international level. RIVM develops methodologies and models for setting standards used to underscore the Netherlands' integrated policies, on a local and national level Its scientists are experts in the fields of health, nutrition, environmental protection, risk assessment, and the connections between them.
Calculating Carrying Capacity
A main objective of Dutch green plan policies is to sustain the quality of all life within the carrying capacity of the environment. Exceeding it leads to consequential, irreversible effects in all areas. Overlaying strategic management, "friction time" - time allotted for all sectors to adjust to policy changes - must be taken into account. (More...)
Ecological Footprint
Sustainable management and development meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. One measure that can be used as an indicator of sustainability is ecological footprinting. An ecological footprint measures how much land is required to supply a particular country, region, city, business or individual with its living and lifestyle needs - that is food, housing, energy/fuel, transport, and consumer goods and services. The larger the footprint, the more resources are needed to support that lifestyle. (More...)
NGO Science
Non-Governmental Organizations provide research of environmental conditions and analyze policies. These are often cited or incorporated into government policies. One example is "Sustainable Netherlands", a report by Friends of the Earth Netherlands. Their scientists, working with the Wuppertal Institute in Germany, have created models and interactive surveys that explain a nation's "ecospace" and what actions are necessary to lessen the "ecological footprint" in that space, locally and globally.
Environmental Quality is a Prerequisite for Health
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