Dutch Farmer Protest | THRR117

First I'm sure you're wondering why I send you guys so much periodic email and don't just join THR. It's nothing against you guys (you're pretty dang awesome), I've been a member in the past and it was lovely, but I find it's too easy to let myself get sucked into the online communities and spend too much time with my phone in front of me. So I join for an occasional challenge or reset and then give a good Irish goodbye for a while.

Anyway, something that came across my brain this week that made me furrow my brow. Have you heard about what is going on in the Netherlands? While I've heard gobs about reducing carbon emissions, this is the first I've heard anything about reducing nitrogen emissions and the Dutch government seem keen to force plenty of people to give up their livelihoods and food security to do it: this is the article I saw https://www.politico.eu/article/police-fire-dutch-farmer-protest-nitrogen-emission-cut/ (I found myself immediately cheering on the farmers but am trying to get some more info and perspective).

Is nitrogen emission that big of a problem? Or is this just the next thing down the pike from carbon blinders? What gives? Would love your thoughts.

Thanks for the fiesty banter and witty analysis that I love you guys for. Keep on.

Cheers,

Christin

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“The honest message … is that not all farmers can continue their business,” the government admitted in a statement last month.

https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/explainer-dutch-farmers-protesting-emissions-85848026

The ruling coalition wants to cut emissions of pollutants, predominantly nitrogen oxide and ammonia, by 50% nationwide by 2030. Ministers call the proposal an “unavoidable transition” that aims to improve air, land and water quality.

They warn that farmers will have to adapt or face the prospect of shuttering their businesses.

“The honest message ... is that not all farmers can continue their business,” and those who do will likely have to farm differently, the government said in a statement this month as it unveiled emission reduction targets.

Livestock produce ammonia in their urine and feces. The government in the past has called on farmers to use feed for their animals that contains less protein as a way of reducing ammonia emissions. The problem is compounded in the Netherlands, which is known for its intensive farming practices, with large numbers of livestock kept on small areas of land.

Fertilizer ban decimates Sri Lankan crops as government popularity ebbs https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/fertiliser-ban-decimates-sri-lankan-crops-government-popularity-ebbs-2022-03-03/

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Transcript:

You can find the transcript at this episode's blog page: https://robbwolf.com/2022/07/22/dutch-farmer-protest-thrr117/