The Netherlands faces major challenges from the effects of climate change, such as heat waves, extreme rainfall, and storms. To keep the country resilient in the face of these changes, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is working on a new National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS), which will be published in 2026. NextGreen was commissioned by the ministry to advise on the importance and potential role of the financial sector. We did this in consultation with policymakers, financial institutions, and their branch organizations. The report with the recommendations is now available. 

Public-private partnerships appear to be essential for accelerating and financing climate adaptation. The report, entitled 'Climate-Resilient Netherlands: The NAS as a compass for collaboration and investments,' offers important recommendations. For example, it proposes further developing sectoral goals and strengthening cooperation with the financial sector in the areas of data exchange, risk analysis, and communication.

Concrete solutions and incentives

One suggestion is to make even greater use of financial incentives to encourage private investment in climate measures, such as sustainable mortgages for climate-proof homes and insurance discounts for entrepreneurs. Governments can also offer more tax breaks for adaptation measures. This approach creates an ecosystem in which climate adaptation becomes not only necessary, but also attractive for businesses, citizens, and financial institutions.

It is important to keep climate justice in mind, for example with a fund for those who are unable to afford repairs, such as the Sustainable Foundation Repair Fund.

Basis for further cooperation

The report builds on previous studies, such as 'Climate Adaptation Gaining Momentum' from 2023 by the Financial Sector Climate Adaptation Working Group, and is in line with recommendations in the recent "Adapting to Climate Change" report by the Scientific Climate Council. Furthermore, the Paris Climate Agreement and the Dutch Climate Commitment for the Financial Sector have already laid a solid foundation for public-private cooperation. The challenge now lies in specifying concrete goals and approaches for climate adaptation. The expected NAS is the moment to give shape to this.

NextGreen bases its advice on discussions and a working session with twenty representatives of the national government, twenty-three representatives of the financial sector, and one representative of the business community. In addition, we conducted a desk study and country comparison.

Act now for a climate-resilient Netherlands

Time is running out, warns the report. Only through joint efforts by the government, businesses, citizens, and financial institutions can the Netherlands take the necessary steps to adapt in a timely and effective manner to climate change and increasing extremes. The role of public-private financing is seen as crucial in this regard.

The report was prepared by Bouke de Vries (independent expert), Martha Bailon, and Anne-Marie Bor (NextGreen).

If you’d like to learn more about how we facilitate this dialogue and put it into practice through concrete pilot projects, please contact us: info@nextgreen.nl.