Netherlands: environment

What are the greenhouse gas emissions of the Netherlands?

Dutch greenhouse gas emissions were 0.8% higher in 2025 than in 2024, according to provisional figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and RIVM, mainly because emissions from electricity generation rose 22%. Manufacturing and mobility each emitted over 4% less. Emissions in 2025 were 36% below the 1990 level. In the second quarter of 2026 they were 0.6% higher than a year earlier.

The Climate Act target is a 55% cut from 1990 by 2030. CBS calculates that this would need an average fall of 8.7 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent a year over the next five years. The figures follow IPCC guidelines.

Official sources: CBS: Increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 · CBS: Greenhouse gas emissions up slightly in Q2 2026

How much of Dutch energy is renewable?

The Netherlands got 22.7% of its gross final energy consumption from renewable sources in 2025, up from 20.2% in 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Renewable energy consumption was 401 petajoules, 11% more than a year earlier, helped by sunny weather and more bio-kerosene use. Biomass made up 34% of renewable energy and solar 23%.

This share covers all energy use, including heating and transport, not just electricity, which is why it is lower than the renewable share of power generation. It is the measure used for the EU renewable energy targets.

Official sources: CBS: 23 percent of energy consumption comes from renewable sources

How much electricity does the Netherlands produce?

Energy companies and other producers in the Netherlands generated 132 billion kWh of electricity in 2025, the most ever and 10% more than in 2024, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Production from solar energy, natural gas and coal all rose significantly, and electricity exports reached a new high.

CBS says production from fossil fuels rose again after years of decline, which also explains the rise in emissions from the electricity sector in 2025. Producers include operators of wind and solar parks and households with solar panels.

Official sources: CBS: Production and export of electricity at record levels

How good is air quality in the Netherlands?

Air quality along Dutch roads met the European limit for nitrogen dioxide almost everywhere in 2024, with one exceedance, according to the RIVM air quality monitor published on 17 December 2025. Calculated fine particulate concentrations were above the standard at eight locations near livestock farms in five municipalities.

Stricter EU air quality limits apply from 2030, and RIVM expects that with current policy they will not be met in many places. The WHO's health-based guideline values are lower still. For live readings at monitoring stations, see the national air quality network Luchtmeetnet, run by RIVM with regional authorities.

Official sources: RIVM: Monitor Luchtkwaliteit 2025

How warm is the Netherlands getting?

The average temperature in the Netherlands in 2025 was 11.4°C, against a normal of 10.5°C, according to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The highest temperature, 39.0°C, was measured in Beek on 2 July. The summer of 2026 averaged 19.3°C against a normal of 17.5°C, the warmest summer since measurements began in 1901, with a heatwave from 18 to 28 June and the first code red for extreme heat.

KNMI's normal is the 1991 to 2020 average for De Bilt. Annual summaries also report sunshine, rainfall and drought.

Official sources: KNMI: Jaar 2025 · KNMI: Zomer 2026

How much CO2 does the Netherlands emit per person?

The latest figure from the European Commission's EDGAR database, for 2024, is 6.6 tonnes. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 5.1 tonnes, and the Netherlands placed 12th highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2024 data, 34th highest.

What are the Netherlands' emissions?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, total greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands was 145 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 53.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent; the Netherlands is 12th highest of 46. Worldwide: 42nd of 186.

How much renewable energy does the Netherlands use?

12.2%: that is the renewable share of final energy use in the Netherlands for 2021, according to the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 20.4%, and the Netherlands placed 39th highest of 50. World rank, highest first: 131st of 191.

How much of the Netherlands is forest?

According to the FAO, forest area as a share of land in the Netherlands was 11.0% in 2024. The peak was 11.1% in 2010 and the low 10.8% in 2015. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 33.2%, and the Netherlands placed 45th highest of 51. Worldwide: 153rd of 190.

What is PM2.5 air pollution in the Netherlands?

In 2023, average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in the Netherlands was 8.6 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. No year since 2005 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 13.0 micrograms per cubic metre; the Netherlands is 40th highest of 51. Worldwide: 164th of 192.

How much of the Netherlands' land is protected?

22.9%: that is the share of land in protected areas in the Netherlands for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. No year since 2013 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 22.1%, and the Netherlands placed 21st highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 60th of 192.

What is water stress in the Netherlands?

16.7%: that is water stress in the Netherlands for 2022, according to the FAO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 15.0% (2017) to 21.9% (2005). It is 21st highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 12.6%. Of 175 countries with 2022 data, 71st highest.