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Greenpeace Sues Netherlands Over Nitrogen Pollution
Greenpeace sues the Netherlands over insufficient nitrogen pollution reduction, demanding 80% protection of vulnerable nature and citing the Urgenda climate case as a precedent.
Dutch
Netherlands
Climate ChangeNetherlandsEnergy SecurityGovernmentEnvironmentLawsuitClimatePollution
GreenpeaceLtoBouwend NederlandMobB-Ware
Andy PalmenChristianne Van Der WalJohan VollenbroekValentijn WöstenWim De Vries
- What is the core demand of Greenpeace's lawsuit against the Dutch state?
- Greenpeace is suing the Dutch government for failing to protect 80% of vulnerable nature from nitrogen damage by 2030, threatening a daily fine of €100,000.
- What are the potential implications and next steps if Greenpeace wins the lawsuit?
- While a previous court ruling on nitrogen was made in 2019, little progress has been made, leading to the current action by Greenpeace, who are prepared for a lengthy legal battle.
- What is Greenpeace's response to criticism regarding the impact on housing and agriculture?
- Greenpeace argues that the government has ignored the problem for decades, leading to the current crisis. They contend that the housing shortage is not solely due to nitrogen issues but also to years of insufficient construction.
- How does this case relate to previous legal actions concerning environmental issues in the Netherlands?
- The lawsuit compares to the Urgenda climate case, where the court ordered emission reductions. This is potentially the first civil case by an environmental organization to protect nature against nitrogen.
- What are the concerns and counterarguments raised by various stakeholders regarding Greenpeace's demands?
- The Dutch government hasn't responded, while others express concern about economic consequences and the feasibility of Greenpeace's plan, citing potential negative impacts on construction and agriculture.