Introduction
The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly serious. The poorest people are often the hardest hit, women in particular. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will only be achieved if governments and other partners all over the world work together to curb climate change. That is why 197 countries signed the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015.
In this agreement, countries agreed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and preferably 1.5 degrees. They also acknowledged the need to adapt to the effects of climate change. Wealthy countries committed to helping developing countries in this respect, both financially and in other ways.
These commitments mean that countries have to change their way of working and investing in many areas. The Netherlands supports developing countries in their transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient pathways to development. It focuses on access to renewable energy, combating deforestation, climate-smart agriculture and climate-resilient use and management of water. In order to achieve good results, the Netherlands works with multilateral organisations, NGOs, knowledge institutions and the business community.
In climate negotiations, the Netherlands will continue to press for the proper implementation of the provisions in the Paris Climate Agreement. This serves the interests both of the Netherlands and of developing countries. A Dutch diplomatic campaign is urging other countries to do more to combat climate change.