What can we do to mitigate the effects?

We have two options to mitigate the effects of climate change. We can tackle the cause of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This will limit further climate change. We can also adapt to climate change, for example, by implementing spatial planning measures.

How can we limit climate change?

We can limit climate change by minimising greenhouse gas emissions. This is also referred to as climate mitigation. The paragraphs below outline the agreements that have been made to limit climate change and explain what actions individual citizens can take.

What agreements have been made to limit climate change?

In 2015, the Netherlands signed the UN Paris climate agreement. Under this agreement, close to 200 countries agreed to limit global warming to a maximum of 2 °C and to pursue a maximum of 1.5 °C. According to the sixth IPCC report, keeping global warming below 2 °C will require radical and large-scale measures within the next ten years. To this end, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions much faster than is currently the case. In order to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5 °C, greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 and be reduced to zero by 2050. In this respect, it is good to realise that lower emission levels will not immediately cut down global warming: it takes approx. twenty years for the effect to be reflected in worldwide temperatures. In addition to this UN treaty, the Dutch government presented a climate agreement on 28 June 2019. This agreement is intended to achieve a 49 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 vis à vis 1990.

What can I do?

Everyone can do something to reduce his or her impact on the climate. The Milieu Centraal website features a wide range of useful tips. Some examples:

• Opt for your bicycle or the train rather than taking your car. And if you are going on a city trip, take the train rather than fly.
• Minimise your energy consumption. For example, insulate your home and put on a sweater rather than turning up the heat. You can also generate your own clean energy by, e.g., installing solar panels on your rooftop.
• Be aware of what you eat and drink: eat less meat and go for locally grown, seasonal vegetables and fruit wherever possible.
• Buy fewer clothes and things and consume more consciously. Share and repair, buy second-hand.

How can we adapt to the effects of climate change?

Preventing major risks and climate damage calls for adaptation to the effects of climate change. We can achieve this by rendering our urban and rural areas climate proof and water resilient. This is referred to as climate adaptation. Everyone can pitch in: government authorities, businesses, and residents.

What measures can government authorities and businesses take?

The theme pages pertaining to Waterlogging, Drought, Heat, and Flooding set out potential measures for limiting the consequences of climate change. Some key measures are:

• Restructure the water system in order to prolong rainwater retention. Create more water storage to collect rainwater for use during periods of drought.
• Go for more greenery and less pavement. This measure helps to reduce waterlogging, drought, and heat. In addition, trees are very important in terms of heat, as they also provide shade.
• Develop a heat plan, in concert with healthcare institutions, to protect vulnerable persons in times of heat. Heat stress can be prevented by adapting behaviours and looking out for those who are vulnerable.
• Allow rivers more room in order to prevent flooding. In addition, ensure that you are properly prepared, in order to mitigate the impact of flooding if things should go wrong, nonetheless.
• Build climate proof and climate resilient. Examples: raise thresholds to keep water from entering a building and provide appropriate solar shading.

The Taking Measures page provides more information on the measures that you can take. It also features tools to help you decide what measures are appropriate in what situation, and to find out the costs involved. In addition, it outlines how measures can be integrated into other projects or taskings, and where to find best practices.

What can residents do?

Residents can also take measures to combat or reduce the effects of climate change. The Huisje Boompje Beter and Milieu Centraal websites feature overviews of potential measures for individual residents. Some examples:

• Replace garden pavement with greenery. This facilitates rainwater drainage into the soil and improves the soil’s resistance to drought. Furthermore, a green garden is much cooler on hot days.
• Construct a green rooftop. A green rooftop provides temporary rainwater collection, has a cooling effect, and fosters biodiversity.
• Disconnect your downspout from the sewer system and allow the clean water to infiltrate into your garden soil. You can also install a rain barrel that stores rainwater, which you can later use to water the plants in your garden. This will save water during periods of drought.

Some measures may qualify for grants from the municipality, the district water board, or the province. The Milieu Centraal Groenesubsidiewijzer features an up to date overview of available grants in your municipality.