Dutch farmers protesting over emissions

Subject :Environment

Section :climate Change

Context:

Farmers protested around the Netherlands as lawmakers voted Tuesday on proposals to slash emissions of damaging pollutants, a plan that will likely force farmers to cut their livestock herds or stop work altogether.

Why are Dutch farmers protesting over emissions?

Farmers argue that they are being unfairly targeted as polluters while other industries, such as aviation, construction and transport, also are contributing to emissions and face less far-reaching rules.
They say the government is not giving them a clear picture of their futures amid the proposed reforms.

What are the nature areas that are threatened?

The government has published a map with reduction targets across the country based on proximity to areas designated as part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network of vulnerable and endangered plant and animal habitats.
There are Natura 2000 sites across the 27 member states, covering 18% of the bloc’s land area and 8% of its marine territory.
The European Commission says conservation and sustainable use of Natura 200 areas is “largely centered on people working with nature rather than against it.
Member States must ensure that the sites are managed in a sustainable manner, both ecologically and economically.”