Dutch Court Orders Government to Slash Nitrogen Emissions

The case brought by climate activist group Greenpeace accused the Dutch government of breaching EU regulations.
Dutch Court Orders Government to Slash Nitrogen Emissions
Members and supporters of the Farmers Defense Force demonstrate against the Dutch government's nitrogen policy in the Zuiderpark in The Hague, Netherlands, on March 11, 2023. Robin Utrecht/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
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A court in the Netherlands ordered the Dutch government on Jan. 22 to significantly reduce nitrogen emissions by 2030, a ruling likely to further concern farmers who have previously staged protests over efforts to reduce emissions.

Activist group Greenpeace brought the case, arguing that the government was not doing enough to reduce illegally high levels of nitrogen oxide emissions caused by intensive farming, heavy fertilizer use, traffic, and construction in the densely populated nation.
Guy Birchall
Guy Birchall
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Guy Birchall is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of national stories with a particular interest in freedom of expression and social issues.