Climate scientists want to get more involved with policy

The letter says that the climate goals are attainable, but they require far-reaching interventions. Delaying this sort of measure even more will reduce our options and lead to more damage and more costs. "Nobody wants that," write the experts, who are connected to The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This is the first time that they make concrete policy proposals.

U-turn
For example, they believe that every ministry should have a top official who assesses whether new rules and legislation are in line with the climate goals. They also advise the government to subsidise more plant-based foods and work on reforestation, expanding green areas and improving water storage.

The outgoing Minister of Education, Robbert Dijkgraaf, also foresees that scientists will play a more prominent role in policy. Earlier this month, on the TV show Buitenhof, he stressed that, when it comes to climate change, "maybe we've been too careful in the past" because "scientists also have an important role to fulfill which is looking into the future and pointing politics towards the risks that are coming."