The minister named both climate related risks and opportunities (beneficial measures) for agriculture, nature conservation and water management. The minister stated that climate change can also have some unpleasant surprises, she gave the example of bluetongue, which appears to be spread by small midges, which used to be prevalent only in warmer countries. Mitigating-measures will give industry, agriculture and transport new ways to develop in a sustainable way.
The Netherlands has announced its commitment to reduce emissions by thirty percent in 2020, for this purpose the Government has set up a project called 'cleaner and more efficient'.

However, even the most far-reaching measures to curb emissions will not be enough to turn the tide. The Netherlands should become resistant to the effects of a changing climate in the 21st century, as described in the national Climate Adaptation Programme for Spatial Planning (ARK). She said also that the attention for climate change here in the Netherlands must not divert our attention from the needs of the developing world, in particular in Sub-Saharan Africa and the mega-deltas of Asia.

Cooperation and dialogue between providers of knowledge and policy makers has become inevitable, and she challenged the scientific society to provide politicians with tailored information to support decision support. Read her speech.

In the morning sessions different topics were discussed related to the adaptation and mitigation aspects of climate changes. Besides, a representative of the EU, outlined the programmes and agenda for Climate Research within the EU. Also the recently published Green Paper had been mentioned.

 

Different speakers in the morning and afternoon sessions stressed the need and relevancy of research information for policy makers. Some pointed out that, there is many uncertainty in the prediction of effects in future times, but organisations as a water board and provinces need information right now! The scientists are challenged to deliver this information.

 

The second day was launched by the Minister (Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment) Mrs. Cramer. Read her speech "The challenge facing the Netherlands" (pdf-file). The presentations from other famous speakers, reports of parallel sessions, poster presentations and pictures will be published soon on this web page. For a quick impression go to the Dutch page.   A web page with presentations is available now. You will find some presentations there.   CcSP Programme Office, September 12 and 13, 2007