“These obligations are just there”
The BoerBurgerBeweging’s victory is largely due to the nitrogen problem in the Netherlands. According to Erisman, who is also chair of the Scientific Climate Council (WKR), the cabinet will have to accommodate the BBB in this. However, the policy adopted derives from European directives. “These obligations are there. If you want to issue permits for housing, economic activity or agriculture, then nitrogen must be reduced”.
Little space
Still, there is room for negotiations, thinks Erisman. “Not much, but there’s room.” According to the professor, this mainly concerns how nitrogen can be reduced. For example, there is room for negotiation when it comes to the year 2030. According to the recommendations of the European Commission, emissions are to be reduced by fifty percent in that year, but this can be debated. «And you have to think about how to buy. But we have to do something’, there is no other way.’
Annoying measures
That means the BBB has to take nasty steps too, says Erisman. The only question is what they will bet on. Will it be forced takeover or innovative measures? I’m also curious about the plans.’ The party says the 2030 deadline is not feasible and is also not in favor of forced takeovers. ‘But then what? It will be exciting in the near future.’
The signal of these elections, according to Erisman, is that more consideration should be given to the people. «Not only farmers, but also nurses. This means that everyone must be consulted on how they can cooperate to achieve the goals. It’s not that farmers don’t want to, it’s rather that they have no economic prospects.’ To take the necessary steps, you need to talk to farmers about what they can do. “This is the way to start in the provinces.”