From our experts

The coalition agreement between D66, CDA, and VVD, published on January 30, 2026, states that at least 4 nuclear power plants will be built. The locations Eemshaven, Borssele, Terneuzen, and Maasvlakte are mentioned. But nuclear energy is not a good idea. Cabinet plans The central government states1: “The cabinet is opting for more nuclear energy … Read more

By Halcyon, Aneth and Siem (names known to the editors) During the Floating Parade in June 2026, dozens of boats decorated with flowers will sail through the Westland region in the Netherlands to celebrate the floriculture industry. While this spectacle attracts large crowds every year, floriculture is often anything but sustainable. Participants do not necessarily … Read more

Young people worry about the climate – we know that. But what does education do about those concerns? International research shows: too little. And that can be done differently – especially if we also take the children’s age into account. Climate education falls short What can schools and parents do to equip young people for … Read more

Rising temperatures caused by climate change are causing ice caps and glaciers to melt faster. The meltwater released causes sea levels to rise, 1 posing a threat to low-lying coastal areas such as the Netherlands. Ice caps and glaciers that flow into the sea melt faster because the seawater is also getting warmer. A few … Read more

Sometimes the fact that science is (also) political is quite obvious. For instance, the European Commission wants to incorporate research and innovation into its geopolitical mission as a ‘critical asset’ for greater economic competitiveness and more influence on the world stage. Researchers are also expected to assist politicians by ‘providing scientific evidence to underpin policy … Read more

The residents of Bonaire have won a court case against the Dutch state concerning climate change. According to the judge, they are not being adequately protected against the consequences of climate change. This ruling marks an important milestone for climate justice within the Kingdom and highlights the importance of addressing climate and biodiversity issues on … Read more

Like previous coalitions, the Jetten cabinet wants to focus on nuclear energy, but this is controversial and unsustainable. Uranium is finite, and expensive power stations require state guarantees. They have low emissions, but long-term nuclear waste storage is a problem. With a construction time of 15-20 years, they cannot contribute to decarbonisation quickly enough. Solar … Read more

Chikungunya is an infectious disease that causes, among other things, severe and prolonged joint inflammation. For a long time, we considered chikungunya, malaria, dengue and Zika to be (sub)tropical diseases that posed little threat to Western Europe. But is that still true? Recent research sheds light on whether climate change is bringing these diseases our … Read more

The first warm days of the year are arriving earlier and earlier and are also getting warmer. That may be pleasant for people who are tired of the dreary winter. But it is also a result of climate change, with all its serious consequences. I, too, have enjoyed the beautiful spring weather these days, because … Read more

Coral reefs act as climate sensors: since the first bleaching was observed in the 1980s, they have consistently shown the impact of warming and acidification. Overfishing, nutrient pollution and disease have pushed these fragile ecosystems to a critical tipping point, if they have not already passed it. The question is whether recovery is still possible. … Read more