Dutch emissions increased in 2025; Climate goals further out of reach

The Netherlands’ 2030 climate target is slipping further out of sight. Last year, greenhouse gas emissions were 0.8 percent higher than in 2024, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported. The Netherlands emitted 145.6 megatons of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in 2025.

The Climate Act stipulates that the Netherlands must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. This stems from international agreements. The 2030 targets serve as an interim step towards a climate-neutral Netherlands by 2050.

Last year, the Netherlands emitted 36 percent less greenhouse gases than in 1990. Over the next five years, emissions must decrease by 8.7 megatons per year to achieve the targets. This is a much bigger decrease than between 1990 and 2024, when emissions decreased by an average of 2.4 megatons per year.

Last year’s increase compared to 2024 is mainly due to emissions in the electricity sector, which rose by 22 percent. According to CBS, electricity production was higher due to increased demand from neighboring countries Belgium and Germany.

“The increase in production from renewable sources was not sufficient to meet this demand,” the statistics agency said. As a result, the sector produced more electricity from fossil fuels, particularly coal and natural gas.

All other sectors emitted the same or fewer greenhouse gases. The industrial sector emitted less last year, mainly because the chemical industry consumed less natural gas and oil residual gas. Emissions in the mobility sector also fell because more people own electric cars.