Climate action in low- and middle-income countries
The whole world feels the impact of climate change. It affects low- and middle-income countries as well as the Netherlands. Dutch businesses and organisations have a lot of relevant expertise that they can use to help other countries, and also to earn money abroad.
International climate agreements
The Netherlands is a reliable partner for climate action. It supports the following agreements:
- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which includes agreements on greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global warming well below 2°C overall, but preferably limit it to 1.5°C.
- Agreements on climate finance to help low- and middle-income countries combat climate change.
Climate programmes
The Netherlands contributes to major international climate funds. It helps low- and middle-income countries become better prepared for extreme weather and works to combat further global warming. Programmes address food, water and other issues. The climate finance dashboard provides an overview of all these programmes.
Each year, the budget for development aid allocates around €200 million specifically for climate action. The Netherlands uses this money to support the main international climate funds, such as the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility.
Central government also collaborates with Dutch companies and organisations that work to combat climate change, and backs private initiatives. For instance, the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development supports a Dutch company that generates electricity from waste in Sierra Leone. This approach enables us to achieve more with the same investment.
Priorities food security and water management
Food security and water management are priorities in Dutch development policy. Through these programmes, the Netherlands is helping to counter the negative effects of climate change.
The Netherlands helps low- and middle-income countries use scarce water resources more efficiently so that they are better prepared for flooding and drought. It also helps combat malnutrition, for instance through programmes on climate-proof agriculture.
Importance to the Netherlands
Flooding, extreme drought and rising sea levels: countries around the world are feeling the effects of climate change. The Netherlands is no exception. Climate change and its effects don’t stop at national borders.
It's important for all countries to work on climate change to achieve international climate goals and ensure that the same rules on climate change apply everywhere. That ensures a level playing field for Dutch companies.