Laatste nieuws in green
Scientists Use Dead Seabirds to Track Ocean Plastic for Four Decades
Wageningen, Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Wageningen researchers have been examining storm petrel stomachs since 1980, revealing that 58% of these seabirds now exceed safe plastic levels. This groundbreaking monitoring system uses the birds as living pollution detectors, providing crucial data on North Sea contamination. While plastic levels have decreased over 20 years, current trends suggest the EU safety threshold won’t be met until 2087, highlighting the persistent challenge of marine plastic pollution.
Dutch Businesses Can Now Access Government Subsidies for AI Energy Solutions
The Hague, Friday, 16 January 2026.
Netherlands companies implementing artificial intelligence for energy optimization can tap into multiple government funding streams worth €350 million. At Intratuin Heerhugowaard, AI-powered energy management delivered a remarkable 61% reduction in energy costs while maintaining grid capacity during peak Christmas operations. The convergence of energy-saving obligations and AI innovation creates unprecedented opportunities for businesses to combine compliance with profitability through programs like EIA, ISDE, and DEI+ subsidies.
Europe Faces Critical Land Use Decisions as Agricultural Space Shrinks by 8 Million Hectares
Wageningen, Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Without new sustainability policies, the European Union could lose over 8 million hectares of agricultural land by 2050 due to urbanization and farm closures, according to comprehensive Wageningen University research commissioned by the European Commission. The study reveals stark regional differences in land pressure, with Northwest Europe facing intense competition between housing, infrastructure, and food production, while Mediterranean regions struggle with irrigation demands and tourism expansion. This research provides policymakers with detailed scenarios ranging from business-as-usual to Green Deal ambitions, analyzing impacts on emissions, water quality, soil health, and food security across all 27 EU member states.
Dutch Agricultural Innovation Hub Loses Funding as Future Farm Project Goes Dark
Lelystad, Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Wageningen University’s internationally acclaimed Future Farm project in Lelystad faces suspension in 2026 due to funding shortfalls. The groundbreaking initiative, which attracted thousands of global visitors over five years to showcase sustainable farming technologies, represents a critical testing ground for climate-smart agriculture solutions that could reduce environmental impact while maintaining productivity.
Netherlands Backs Water Innovation with €10 Million Investment in PureTerra Ventures
Amsterdam, Friday, 16 January 2026.
Dutch government fund Invest-NL committed €10 million to PureTerra Ventures Fund II, targeting breakthrough water technologies addressing global water challenges. The investment aims to catalyze private funding for water startups developing treatment, purification, and management solutions. With less than 1% of Dutch surface water meeting European quality standards, this funding addresses critical water security needs while leveraging the Netherlands’ historical water management expertise for commercial innovation.