The Climate Act (Klimaatwet) sets legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets for the Netherlands. The Climate Act is driven by international agreements, e.g. the Paris climate agreement, and research, e.g. IPCC. In 2023 the emissions reduction targets were sharpened to meet new European emission targets and regulation. Specifically, it mandates the government to achieve climate neutrality in 2050, and achieve carbon neutrality in the electricity sector by 2050. It also requires the government to reduce its emissions in 2030 by 55% compared to 1990 levels. The law contains provisions for developing 3 policy instruments:
- Climate Plan (Klimaatplan): which sets out the components of climate policy for a 10-year period, with the first being adopted in 2019 and covering the period 2021-2030
- The biennial Progress Report (Voortgangsrapportage): focused on measuring progress
- Climate Memorandum (Klimaatnota): a yearly issued Climate Memorandum in which the government accounts for climate policy, reflects on the past year’s progress, and compares this with the (European and national) targets for 2030
In the Climate Act the government, businesses, and civil society organisations have jointly agreed on the measures that are necessary in the next 10 years, with different sectors having set their own targets to jointly reach the emission reduction targets. Some cross-sector measurements have also been agreed upon, such as the need for knowledge and innovation for the transition to a more sustainable Netherlands, the impact on the labour market, and the financing of sustainability projects.
On 1st January 2026, new amendments to the Climate Act entered into force, which revised Article 4 of the original law to remove provision Article 4.2 ("Every two years after the adoption of the climate plan, a report shall be submitted on the progress of its implementation and, if this warrants it in light of the objectives of this Act, measures shall be taken."). The amendment also changes the title of Chapter 4 to Advice and Consultation and creates a Scientific Climate Council in Article 8, as follows:
"Article 8
1. There is a Scientific Climate Council.
2. The Scientific Climate Council consists of a chairperson and at moment nine other members.
3. The Scientific Climate Council is tasked with advising the Government and both Houses of the States General on the climate policy to be pursued. In doing so, the Scientific Climate Council issues at least one advisory opinion in preparation for the climate plan referred to in Article 3."
