The Hague Climate Week: initiatives to accelerate to climate neutrality in 2030.

Including the award of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Label 

The Hague, the Netherlands, 12 November 2024 – During The Hague Climate Week, that runs from 11 to 17 November a variety of events in and around the city are taking place for everyone interested in sustainability and climate action. 

On 12 November an evening program takes place about the future of our city. What will The Hague look like in the year 2100, when the sea level has risen by several meters? This event is organised together with Deltares and Springtij. 

On 15 November 2024, an EU delegation and representatives of the municipality will visit The Hague's climate initiatives to mark the award of the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities label. The Hague has been recognised with this label by the European Union in October 2024. This label is part of the EU's Mission for an initiative under Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme, aiming to help 100 European cities to accelerate their transition to climate neutrality. 

On 16 November, World's Youth for Climate Justice and Interactive Media Foundation present, YUMI - The Whole World, a documentary about the crucial work of World's Youth for Climate Justice and the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change. These young leaders are leading the case for the ICJ Advisory Opinion, a groundbreaking effort to hold countries accountable for their impact on climate change and protect vulnerable communities.  

The full program during The Hague Climate week is published here.   

About the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Label

The Hague is among the 20 new cities to receive the label with its climate plans which acknowledges their commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2030. These include initiatives to phase out natural gas, enable zero-emission transport, create green spaces, and reduce waste and resource consumption. The Hague can now call itself one of the ‘100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.’  

Arjen Kapteijns, alderman for Energy Transition, Mobility and Raw Materials "As the first city in the Netherlands to be awarded the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Label, The Hague stands at the forefront of sustainable urban innovation. This recognition reflects our dedicated efforts and the collaborative spirit of our residents, businesses, and partners. We are proud of this recognition, yet it’s only the beginning. By 2030, we aim to be fully climate neutral, pioneering green solutions that will inspire other cities to join us on the path to a sustainable future."  

The Hague Climate Agreement 
To receive the label, The Hague submitted a Climate City Contract to the EU earlier this year. As a recipient of the label, The Hague will benefit from access to the Climate City Capital Hub, an international financial resource aimed at supporting cities in developing and financing climate-related projects. For The Hague, this means greater potential to develop and scale up projects that reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and improve the overall quality of life for its residents. The city will also be eligible for part of a lending envelope of €2 billion from the European Investment Bank.