In this study, we have translated the global ambition of the Paris Agreement into concrete sectoral targets applicable to the Netherlands. This has been done by comparing projected pathways of climate-relevant indicators from various authoritative literature sources to what would be needed in order to be compatible with the Paris Agreement’s long-term goals.

The Netherlands faces a steep road ahead if the economy is to develop in a way that is compatible with the Paris Agreement. While promising developments have taken place in certain sectors - i.e. in transport, where the country is a worldwide frontrunner in EV sales - other sectors are lagging behind their counterparts in Europe and worldwide, such as in energy supply, where the share of renewables is still extremely low. Ambition on all fronts must be increased in order to ensure the Paris Agreement’s goals can be reached, and the Netherlands, as a developed country, must be a frontrunner worldwide.

This study reveals what the Paris Agreement specifically means for the Dutch power, transport, buildings, industry and agriculture sectors, and points out that climate policy must be strengthened substantially in order for the Netherlands to be in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.