The court in The Hague on Wednesday asked the Dutch State to reduce greenhouse gas emissions above what the government planned.
According to local media in the Netherlands, the court urged to cut emissions by around 25 percent instead of the 17 percent stipulated in the current government policy.
It is a duty of the state 'to protect civilians from grave danger that climate change entails,' according to the district judge, Hans Hofhuis.
To minimize the worst consequences of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, a reduction of 25 to 40 percent in 2020 is actually required.
A 'modest' requirement of 25 percent is therefore attributable, the court maintains.
The Hague court considers that the State has accepted the scientific reports on this subject.
According to International Energy Agency, the country continues to attract investment in oil and gas storage; coal, oil and gas import terminals along with energy-efficient power plants.
Additionally, The Netherlands plays an important role in Europe as a hub for global energy trade, thanks to its open market and integrated supply chains.
The Netherlands remains Europe’s second-largest producer of natural gas after Norway. However, the country faces a fast decline of indigenous gas production at its Groningen field and faces uncertain prospects for unconventional gas. This means that the country will start to experience the transition from a net exporter to a net importer of gas in around 2025.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
gulsen.cagatay@aa.com.tr