The government has numerous options at its disposal to support economic recovery in the Netherlands. The measures chosen will also have a long-term impact on the Dutch economy. Taking sustainability targets into account, as set by the government for the future economy, would help to ensure that recovery programmes both contribute to rapid recovery and be beneficial to future generations.
Accelerating and postponing policy
The corona crisis has rapidly changed our behaviour and habits, and with it also the way we look at society. Whether these changes are permanent remains to be seen, but the Council believes that the government's recovery measures should respond to any such changes if those would provide an additional impulse for the transition towards a more sustainable economy. In some cases, policies will need to be expanded or implemented more rapidly. In other cases, however, it will be necessary to take a step back — because, after the corona crisis, it may be unclear whether ‘business-as-usual’ is still the best course to follow. For example, the Council recommends that new road construction projects be postponed, now that there appear to be so many opportunities for different ways of working and commuting. The Council advocates accelerating the management and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
Assessment framework for green recovery measures
The Council is of the opinion that sustainability objectives are currently insufficiently taken into account in the political deliberations on recovery policy. And so it presents an easy to apply assessment framework that can help policymakers and political parties in designing green recovery policy, drawing up election manifestos aimed at a green recovery, and in developing the next Coalition Agreement.
Suggested green recovery measures
The Council presents concrete suggestions for green recovery across a number of policy domains. These include a more rapid insulation of the existing housing stock, accelerating new housing construction, development of future-proof energy infrastructure, improving the sustainability of rural areas, and promoting zero-emission mobility and transport onshore, offshore and in the air.
Build on what people value in their local environment
Climate change is currently the greatest global threat to our future. Immediate implementation of the Climate Agreement and the transition towards a carbon-free economy will have to be given full priority in government policy. However, much more is needed to ensure a healthy, safe, vital, accessible and sustainable physical environment for our residents. It requires a push across many areas. Public support for policy-making in all these areas is crucial. The Council considers it of great importance that ’green recovery’ builds on what people find important and value in their local environment so that measures truly contribute to the wider quality of their local environment.
Note to the editor
For further information about the report, please contact project leader Bart Swanenvleugel; bart.swanenvleugel@rli.nl, +31 (0)6 52 01 26 91.
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