How do we make clean energy happen?

Imagine the energy that we use is 100% sustainable, safe and fair – using wind, solar and geothermal energy sources. And maybe even the most important detail: without any energy waste. No more pollution produced by the extraction and consumption of oil coal, gas and wood. No more environmental destruction in distant locations or close to home. In other words, a sustainable Netherlands and a clean world.

The issue: Oil, coal and gas are bad for the environment and people

We generate energy for our heating and electricity needs, using fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas. The extraction and consumption of these fuels is harmful to our planet.

• Burning fossil fuels causes greenhouse gas emissions, which, in turn, worsens the effects of global warming.
• The extraction and burning of fossil fuels and wood causes damage to, for instance,natural habitats and human environments. Accidents such as oil spills occur; there are also health risks caused by air pollution, for example.
• Fossil sources will eventually be depleted.

The solution: Fossil fuels are the past, sustainable sources are the future

We need to free ourselves from fossil fuels, as well as natural gas, the consumption of which  also contributes to global warming. Natural gas is the major source of energy in the Netherlands. The largest natural gas field in Europe is located in the northern part of the Netherlands.

Pumping gas to the surface has caused numerous earthquakes and significant property damage. People are currently living under a cloud of fear and uncertainty. We need to take immediate action.

• Gas production in the province of Groningen (northern Netherlands) needs to be halted and the development of new gas fields should be prohibited.
• We need to stop importing fossil fuels and start generating more of our own renewable energy.
• We need to save energy through, for example, improved insulation of our buildings.

Milieudefensie is closing the gas valve

Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth Netherlands), together with local residents, wants to not only shut down natural gas production in Groningen but also discontinue its use in the home.

The people of Groningen and Dutch people in general are campaigning for a rapid transition to sustainable sources for both heating and cooking.

Want to know more?

Contact our spokesperson Jorien de Lege - energie@milieudefensie.nl
Are you a journalist? Get in touch with our press officer Saskia Gaster - tel. +31 (0)20 55 07 333 - persvoorlichting@milieudefensie.nl