Higher temperatures, heavy downpours, stronger wind speeds, rising sea levels, and hurricanes of the most severe category: the climate will continue to change in the future. That is why the Central Government is drawing up a new National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS). It states what is required for the Netherlands to be climate-resilient: now and in the future. From 9 June it is possible to think along about the ambitions and targets for the Caribbean Netherlands.
This is possible by reacting to the draft of the National Climate Adaptation Strategy 2026. The strategy is adopted at the end of 2026.
Minister Vincent Karremans (Infrastructure and Water Management): "Of course, much attention and many resources have been dedicated to the reduction of greenhouse gasses in recent years, but considerably less to how we can best adapt to a changing climate. Whilst that is wise: we can already see how heavy downpours result in erosion of the coastline and the temperatures are already significantly higher than a couple of years ago. We now need to look ahead: how can we keep our Kingdom safe and resilient? In time, clear choices are necessary, that is why it is important that these measures are decided upon in good time".
Ambitions and targets per sector
The strategy elaborates the ambitions of the Central Government and the targets that are set per sector. A distinction is made between the European and the Caribbean Netherlands. The effects of climate change differ, however we want the infrastructure to continue working well, people to be safe from flooding and hurricanes, and prevent the loss of important cultural heritage throughout the Netherlands.
Improve knowledge, then measures
At the moment, we are improving the knowledge about the effects of climate change on the three islands. The report indicates on what points we want to improve that knowledge. This is expressly not the finish line: in parallel measures must also be elaborated. There will be a specific approach per island, in the course of which the climate plans that the islands are currently developing form an important basis. These climate plans are being developed by the Public Entities in cooperation with the residents.
More information
From Tuesday 9 June up to and including Monday 20 July 2026, everyone can submit an opinion on the draft programme National Climate Adaptation Strategy (Draft NAS) and the related environmental impact assessment (EIA Plan). More information can be found via
https://english.rijksdienstcn.com/infrastructure-and-water-management/climate-adaptation