Effects of climate change in Netherlands appear manageable

In the Netherlands, as elsewhere, climate is changing, resulting in multiple effects. Some effects are water-related, as the Netherlands is a delta where four navigable rivers flow into the North Sea and almost 60% of the country is vulnerable to flooding. Apart from these effects, the report also looks at other possible impacts of climate change on nature, agriculture, health and tourism. Some effects are beneficial, such as an increase in agricultural production and better weather conditions for leisure activities. There are, however, also adverse effects: an increased risk of flooding, and a decrease in the quality of surface water and biodiversity. These negative effects are often related to changes in occurrence of extreme weather conditions (drought, storms, etc.)

A main conclusion of the study is that in the Netherlands, at the current rate of climate change, the effects of climate change appear to be manageable. This is partly due to the fact that the major changes occur gradually, thus allowing the country to prepare for any new circumstances. In addition, policy makers are increasingly aware of the risks of climate change. Various programs are in place to anticipate on the risk of flooding, ensure fresh water availability, make urban developments climate proof, and monitor possible outbreaks of new or recurring diseases and plagues. Recent years, however have seen relatively little attention to climate effects on nature.