Failure and Recovery

Explanation

A multitude of problems has led to deadlock
The Council identifies various problems that are preventing an effective approach to tackling issues within the living environment. Government’s approach to problems is generally too technocratic, meaning that the values at stake are often not discussed. Moreover, solutions often focus only on part of the problem. Up to now, not enough limits have been set for the negative effects of business activity on the living environment, and the business sector itself has failed to offer effective solutions. There is also little recognition of the contribution that community initiatives can make to tackling problems within the living environment. 

Engage in wide-ranging discussion of values concerning living environment issues 
Solving complex problems within the living environment requires much improved discussion with society about the societal values involved. Why is solving a problem important, what values are at stake, and what does it mean if one value is given priority over another? The aim of such discussion is not to reach agreement on a single set of shared values but to increase understanding of the diverse values that play a role in dealing with the issue concerned. This is essential information for politicians who need to make the necessary choices and for ensuring greater support from the public.

Make far more use of the contribution of organised members of the public
In the course of the past few decades, responsibility for resolving issues within the living environment has fallen almost entirely to government and the business sector. For government, the contribution that organised members of the public can make has become a blind spot. In the distant past, it were actually organised groups of citizens who took action to promote the collective interest, and the Council draws attention to a contemporary movement within society that can also play a meaningful role. 'Communities' have an important role to play in alerting us to issues within the living environment, identifying important societal values, and finding effective solutions. Communities should therefore be given an equal place alongside government and businesses in the search for solutions. That will require government support and new forms of cooperation.

Position businesses for future-proof development
Businesses must also shoulder their responsibility in tackling problems within the living environment. If they are unable or unwilling to do that themselves, the Rli advises government to put a price on negative environmental effects more often than at present, and to set limits for undesirable activities or ban them altogether. This can limit damage to the living environment and raise the price of products that cause pollution, thus creating a level playing field for sustainable businesses. Government also needs to invest more in promising new enterprises, innovative business models, and production processes. 

Detailed version of recommendations for tackling the nitrogen issue in agriculture
The advisory report Failure and Recovery presents recommendations for finding effective solutions to problems within the living environment. However, those problems are so diverse and dissimilar that the details will always need to be different. As an illustrative example of how its recommendations can be applied, the report therefore concludes with a number of reflection questions that can help find solutions.

Publication

The Failure and Recovery report was presented to Prime Minister Schoof on 15 May 2025.

Information

For more information about the advisory report, please contact Bart Swanenvleugel (project leader): bart.swanenvleugel@rli.nl or +31 (0)6 5201 2691.