EU climate and energy policy should be aimed at innovation
An 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, that is the EU ambition for 2050. Such a drastic reduction requires a much more vigorous renewal of our energy system. Setting a target for emission...
Effects of climate change in Netherlands appear manageable
In the Netherlands, at the current rate of climate change the adverse effects of climate change appear to be manageable. As a new PBL study shows, most changes occur gradually, enabling Dutch citizens...
Minimum price best option for reform of EU Emissions Trading System
A minimum price for emission allowances offers the best opportunity for the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to function as a key policy instrument in reducing CO2 emissions. Such a price floor will...
Bridging the gap between stakeholders and climate modellers
The first results have been published from a joint project by PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, VU University Amsterdam and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) on the...
Greening the economy is a major and necessary task for the world as a whole as well as for the Netherlands. Using energy, raw materials and natural resources more efficiently will strengthen the...
Pledges by developing countries lead to 9-12% emission reduction
A new study shows that the proposals from developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 lead to a 9-12% reduction in their emissions. Assuming all countries take immediate action...
Audit Committee report on quality of PBL work published
An international scientific audit committee has evaluated the work of PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, in the second half of 2012. This week, the audit committee published its report...
A global 'Task Force on Methodology for Earth System Governance Research' has been established, co-chaired by PBL’s Chief Scientist Arthur Petersen. This Task Force will address methodological...
A greenhouse gas reduction target of 40% below 1990 levels for 2030 for the European Union, to be achieved within Europe, would not necessarily be sufficient for achieving the target of limiting...
Set-aside of European CO2 emission allowances considered as a signal for further ETS reform
A set-aside of CO2 allowances would reduce the current oversupply in the European Emissions Trading System. This would result in temporary higher CO2 prices. However, a literature study has shown that...