Going Dutch on climate change (From Campaign Series)

Going Dutch on climate change

5:09pm Thursday 6th March 2008

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THIS month Caerphilly Climate Change Champion James Fletcher takes a trip to Holland to find out how the Dutch deal with conserving the environment.
Here is his latest report on his year long climate champion journey.


"Hello readers! This month's edition of my blog will follow my expedition to the Netherlands as Climate Change Champion. Holland is famous for its windmills - both old and new. The group along with the nine champions from England visited the Q7 wind-park 12 miles offshore.


"We braved gale force seven winds and various bouts of sea sickness to visit the park and learn how renewable energy such as wind power accounts for a total of 6 percent of the energy usage in the Netherlands. We also visited the famous GeWoonBoot - a 'carbon neutral' houseboat in the heart of the regenerated industrial shipping yard which aims to reuse the old by creating artwork out of the old buildings and contents of the ship yard. Apart from my exploration of the various shopping centres in the capital by far my favourite part of the expedition was meeting dignitaries in the seat of government of the Netherlands, The Hague. Here we met the British Ambassador to The Hague, the Dutch Minister for Europe and the Dutch Director of International Environmental Affairs.


"During our reception at the British Embassy and the Ambassador's Official Residence we discussed the similarities and differences of the policies on climate change held by the Netherlands, Wales and England - and not a Fererro Rocher in sight! Hopefully our county, Wales and the whole of the United Kingdom will follow the lead of the Netherlands where 0 percent of rubbish goes to landfill compared to our 85 percent. That's it for this month readers. Next month I will report on how the Caerphilly County Borough Council has been educating primary and secondary school children in our local area how to lower their carbon footprint and become better citizens of the world. Remember the best way to change others is to change yourself!!"

James' top tip


"The Dutch use their bikes to go everywhere. Cycling is one of the few carbon neutral means of transport which means that the amount of harmful gases it emits is negligible. Why don't you try it on short journeys?"

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