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Green Plans in Action: Netherlands: Challenges
Population Growth
The Netherlands is roughly twice the size of New Jersey with a population of 16 million people. There are approximately 381 people per square kilometer, the second highest density in the world, after Bangladesh. Given its lack of resources and small size, the Netherlands has exceeded its environmental carrying capacity. Even with a decrease of immigrants and greater emigration, overpopulation continues to be a major issue affecting all sectors, and has yet to be directly addressed.
Public Perception
The incidence of BSE (Mad-cow) disease and dioxin contaminated-chickens and pigs have led to a loss of public trust in the government's ability to regulate food safety and protect Dutch citizens' health. With live animals and food being transported across countries and continents, there is a greater likelihood of unknown bacterial risks. These new risks require greater research and development of a more structured, integrated system of early detection.
Persistent Problems
Many issues have been adequately addressed and are being appropriately managed; however, some persistent problems remain and are enhanced by economic growth, which leads to overconsumption and waste. Noise and odor nuisances along with their cumulative effects are also persistent problems affecting the quality of life in the Netherlands. Environmental policies addressing these issues employ tools such as the polluter pays principle and are expressed in sustainable terms.
Threats to Health
Long-term environmental problems causing unknown health hazards include chronic chemical exposure, and risks from newly developed chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Although incentives and alternatives are being introduced, due to the increased numbers of vehicles and pollution from other countries, air pollution continues to exceed standards and is not expected to be reduced by 2030. Threats to external health and safety are due to increased pollution surrounding the chemical industry infrastructure, and increased use of the automobile.
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