The introduction of a European trade emission system is an important instrument to reduce these emissions. Next year, the system will be elaborated to other sectors, like air traffic. It will also be elaborated with other greenhouses (then only CO2) and with other techniques, like the capture and storage of CO2.
Only reduction of the emission of CO2 is not enough. Supplementary, on different locations additional investments in area development are needed in order to intercept climate changes on soil (resistance of dryness), the air (reduction of the expulsion of other emissions), and the water (rise of sea level and melt of icecaps). In order to stimulate that member states take appropriate measures at a short notice, the European Commission started in June 2007 a debate about climate adaptation, by publishing a green paper "Climate adaptation". In the green paper the Commission proposed to develop national adaptation strategies, and to improve international knowledge- and information exchange and networks, not only at national levels but also between regions and municipalities.
The four Randstad provinces actively support this agenda. Because of their unique position, a delta area, the effects of climate change will become enormous in the Randstad. To be optimal prepared and to emit being a delta, proof against climate change, one decided to work closely together with all relevant stakeholders, within the Netherlands but also outside. .