The Paris Agreement foresees developed countries to lead the efforts in climate change mitigation, based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities. We find that the Netherlands’ government’s proposed target pathway does not live up to the country’s fair contribution.

Under an unambiguously fair trajectory, the Netherlands have already used up their budget. In practice, this means that the Netherlands need to decrease their emissions as fast and deep as possible, and additionally provide substantial support to other countries.