National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS)

The global climate is changing at an increasing pace. Its impacts are already visible. The oceans and atmosphere are warming faster, and sea levels are rising more quickly. In the Netherlands, we can already see the effects of climate change. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall and drought occur more often than in the past, causing damage and putting people at risk. This is why it is so important to adapt to a changing climate. The National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS) sets out how the Netherlands is preparing for these changes.

Draft NAS'26

The first NAS was published in 2016. The new strategy is expected to be published at the end of 2026 and is therefore called NAS'26. On 9 June 2026, the Draft NAS'26 (in Dutch) was published. Everyone can submit comments and feedback until 20 July 2026.

What is new in NAS'26?

The new NAS includes a more thorough analysis and a broader approach to help keep the Netherlands resilient and prepared for climate change. This applies to both the European and Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With the new NAS, the national government sets out a clearer ambition for the long term. It also takes short-term actions that will help prepare for the changes needed in the medium term. To do this, it uses the latest knowledge on climate risks and other scientific insights. It also strengthens the links between different themes and policy areas. Finally, with the new NAS, the national government looks further ahead, towards 2100.

What knowledge is NAS'26 based on?

Several important studies and programmes form the building blocks of the new strategy: the  National Implementation Programme for Climate Adaptation (NUP KA'23), the KNMI Climate Scenarios (2023), and the climate risk assessments by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) from 2024 and 2026.

Who developed NAS'26?

The NAS is an overarching strategy. Many ministries contribute to its development, including: Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK), Justice and Security (JenV), Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), Education, Culture and Science (OCW), Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and Foreign Affairs (BZ). Other organisations involved include knowledge institutes and the umbrella organisations Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), Association of Provinces of the Netherlands (IPO), and the Dutch Water Authorities (UvW). Representatives of the ministries and other organisations came together at various meetings, where they reviewed and improved draft versions of the strategy.

Want to know more?

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