Thinking from the Future: Three Years of Advice from the Scientific Climate Council

The publication argues that the Netherlands needs to take stronger, more coordinated responsibility for delivering a climate-neutral and climate-resilient future, as its 2030 target of reducing emissions by 55% and its 2050 climate-neutrality objective are at risk. The Netherlands Scientific Climate Council recommends maintaining ambitious climate targets, introducing more specific emissions targets for sectors such as agriculture, shipping and aviation, and developing a long-term climate vision that is embedded in government planning. It calls for progressive pricing of emissions and resource use, early investment in permanent carbon dioxide removal for residual emissions, and stronger adaptation measures, including changes to land use in vulnerable areas and preventative health policies. It identifies three essential transitions: a circular economy, a more sustainable food system, and the decarbonisation of industry. Across all these areas, the Council stresses consistent policies, long-term funding, participation by businesses and citizens, fairness in distributing costs, and particular attention to the needs of the Caribbean Netherlands.