Ministry of VROM
Environment
The Netherlands has a high population density. Its economic activities and leisure activities are extensive and expanding so, not surprisingly, the quality of its environment is facing serious threats. The Netherlands government, along with the general public and the business community, are therefore looking for ways to attain sustainable development.
A recent principle of the Dutch government is to spend more money on environmental protection in order to compensate the negative effect of ongoing economic growth. The environmental policy of the Netherlands currently addresses the following themes:
- climate change;
- acidification;
- eutrophication;
- toxic and hazardous substances;
- contaminated land;
- waste disposal;
- disturbance;
- groundwater depletion.
Information and communication play an important role alongside legislation and financial incentives in changing people's attitude and behavior. The purpose of communication is often to aid consultation, to create public support and/or to promote participation.
Environment in international dimension
The international dimension of environmental protection is gaining a prominent role. The Netherlands is trying to reduce the rate of correlation between pollution and economic growth. It sees the integration of the environment policy in sectors such as agriculture, transport and energy supply as an important instrument for this purpose.
