Environment

The quality of the environment in the Netherlands has improved considerably since 1990. Emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, for example, have been reduced significantly as a result of measures taken to comply with European standards. Almost everywhere, the air quality meets the European requirements as cars become cleaner and emissions produced by manufacturing industry are reduced. Contaminated soil sites have been mapped, facilitating a systematic approach. Waste produced by industries and households is increasingly recycled. Although the water quality has improved marginally, a major effort will be required to comply with the European standards for 2027 as laid down in the Water Framework Directive.

The editors have selected the most important indicators. Together, they provide a picture of the state of the environment.

 

Vernieuwd

Red List Indicator, 1995 - 2022

Indicator | 17 May 2023

Since 1995 the number of endangered species increased slightly. However, a noticeable reduction in levels of threat was identified.

Trend fauna - all species monitored - Living Planet Index Netherlands, 1990-2021

Indicator | 29 March 2023

The Living Planet Index of the Netherlands has increased with 2.2% since 1990. The trend has decreased over the past twelve years.

Membership of Dutch private nature conservation organisations, 1989-2021

Indicator | 16 February 2023

In 2021 the combined membership of the four biggest nature conservation organisations rose to 1,746,416. This is an increase of 4.9% over the figure for 2019. In 2021 Natuurmonumenten had the most... more

Farmland bird indicator, 1915-2021

Indicator | 16 February 2023

Changes in agricultural practices have caused a significant decline in breeding birds typical of agricultural areas in the Netherlands, starting from the early 20th century.

Spatial conditions of the national ecological network, 2021

Indicator | 19 October 2022

The increase in the area of new nature since 1990 has improved the size and connectivity (spatial conditions) of terrestrial ecosystems in the Netherlands. However, a considerable part of the... more

The Environmental Data Compendium is a partnership of CBS, PBL, RIVM and WUR.