Netherlands faces gap to European 2040 emissions ambition, PBL says
The Netherlands is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 57% to 68% by 2040 under a baseline scenario, according to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency’s Climate and Energy Outlook of the Netherlands 2026. The projection falls short of the European ambition of a 90% reduction from 1990 levels.
The Netherlands has a substantial gap to bridge to approach the European ambition of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared with 1990, according to the Climate and Energy Outlook of the Netherlands 2026 published by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, known as PBL.
PBL’s baseline projection estimates that Dutch greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by between 57% and 68% by 2040. The source does not specify which measures or sectors account for the projected range.
The projected reduction is below the European 2040 ambition cited in the report. PBL describes the difference between the baseline projection and that ambition as a large gap, but the supplied source does not provide additional details on policies, implementation, costs or timelines for closing it.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What assumptions produce the 57% to 68% projection range?
Which sectors would account for the largest share of the remaining emissions in 2040?
What policies or investments would be required to close the projected gap?
Who would bear the costs of achieving the higher reduction level?
How could a lower-than-target reduction affect the European 2040 ambition?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026