New Dutch Climate Coalition brings Philips, DSM, Utrecht to table

According to Secretary of State Mansveld (Infrastructure and Environment), companies, governments and civil society organizations have taken an important step on the way to the climate summit in Paris next year.

They have united in the Dutch Climate Coalition, in which the parties take initiatives in order to become more climate friendly.

"With ambitious, realistic and sustainable solutions these parties contribute to a livable and prosperous world for everyone," Mansveld wrote in a letter to the Second Chamber. "Companies, governments and civil society organizations who join the Dutch Climate Coalition not only show ambition but open their doors to work  together on climate innovation, new business models and sustainable business."

Currently almost 50 parties have joined the Coalition. These parties include leading companies such as DSM, FrieslandCampina, Philips and many small and medium companies. Large municipalities such as Utrecht, Haarlem and Nijmegen have also already joined the Coalition.

All participating parties come up with ideas and name their short term commitments for climate neutral operations. For example, contractors company Dijkhuis expressed the ambition to mostly build with materials that come from the immediate area in 2020. In 2013 ASN Bank does not only want a climate neutral operation, but also want to lend money in such a way that it has no impact on the climate.

The United Nations' climate summit will take place in Paris in December next year. During the summit new global agreements have to be made to mitigate climate change.