Various effects of climate change can already be observed in the Netherlands. Some of these effects are positive, such as increases in agricultural productivity and the number of fine days for recreation. Others are negative, such as more frequent river and water drainage flooding (as a result of intense precipitation) and declining surface water quality (water temperature, algal growth) and biodiversity. A more rapid rise in sea level and an increase in peak river discharges, as a consequence of climate change, have not yet been observed in the Netherlands.Climate change and its subsequent impacts are expected to continue in the future. Because of its geographical location, these changes may present opportunities for the Netherlands, particularly in the areas of agriculture and tourism. Negative impacts are strongly related to changes in the occurrence of extreme weather events (e.g. droughts, storms).
