Frequently Asked Questions
For whom is the Dutch Climate Risk Portal intended?
The Dutch Climate Risk Portal is intended for professional organisations seeking to understand physical climate risks in the Netherlands. It aims to provide free and open national-level climate data, ensuring a level playing field. Additionally, the portal supports efforts to enhance and clarify the Netherlands' international competitive position in the context of climate change.
How was the Dutch Climate Risk Portal developed?
This website is initiated by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and developed by Climate Adaptation Services in collaboration with the Delta Commissioner’s Staff as part of the Netherlands AAA Climate Proof initiative. The development process closely involves a user group from the Working Group on Climate Adaptation of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). Additionally, experts from various knowledge institutes contributed to setting up the portal. For more information see the page About us.
Who manages the Dutch Climate Risk Portal?
The knowledge portal is managed and maintained by Climate Adaptation Services under the authority of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Climate Adaptation Services ensures the portal remains up to date, providing accurate and relevant climate risk information. This includes regularly incorporating new research findings, refining data visualisations, and improving user accessibility.
How do you define climate risk?
The Dutch Climate Risk Portal follows the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) definition of climate risk. It refers to the potential loss of or damage to a system, society or community resulting from a climatic event in a given period of time. Climate risk is shaped by three key factors: hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. For further detail, visit the Risk assessment guidance page.
How do the Dutch climate scenarios relate to IPCC’s scenarios?
In 2023, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) published climate scenarios (PDF) for the Netherlands. These scenarios are based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, which reflect possible trajectories for emissions and land-use changes. More information can be found on the Dutch climate scenarios page and in KNMI’s user report (PDF).
Is there a standard methodology for calculating climate risks?
Because climate impacts differ across sectors such as agriculture, built environment, and nature – as well as across hazards – there is no universal assessment methodology. However, some generic approaches are available and can be explored on the Existing risk methods and frameworks page.
Are there best practices for assessing and managing climate risks?
Best practices are outlined in the 2023 Dutch Central Bank's Guide on climate and environmental risks (PDF) and its updated 2025 edition (PDF). Additional examples can be found on the Existing risk methods and frameworks page.
What are the most important Dutch policies on climate risks?
In the Netherlands, the key national policies for managing physical climate risks are the National Adaptation Strategy and the Delta Programme. These policies define the measures aimed at making the Netherlands climate-proof and water-robust by 2050. For detailed information, visit the Key Dutch climate risk page.
What types of climate data are included in this portal?
The Dutch Climate Risk Portal links to nationwide open-source hazard data. To access specific datasets, please refer to the individual data access pages provided for each hazard.
Which hazards are available on the website?
This portal covers all hazards included in the EU Taxonomy's catalogue of climate-related hazards (PDF)(Climate Delegated Act, Annex I, Appendix A). The overview below outlines which hazards are published and available for use, and which are under development in collaboration with leading experts.
| Published | Under development | |
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| Temperature-related |
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| Wind-related |
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| Water-related |
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| Solid mass-related |
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For what time horizon and climate scenarios are the hazard data available?
Available time horizons and climate scenarios vary by hazard. This information is clearly outlined on the data access page of each individual hazard, available via Hazards & Data.
How do I access, download and use the hazard data?
The Dutch Climate Risk Portal refers to nationwide open-source hazard data. While the data cannot be downloaded directly from this portal itself, you are redirected to external data portals where downloads are available. Please visit the hazard’s dedicated risk assessment pages for guidance on usage and interpretation.
Is data on historical climate impacts included?
For information about historical climate impacts, we refer to the Climate Damage Monitor managed by the Dutch Association of Insurers. Please note that this monitor displays insured damages caused by a limited set of climate-related hazards.
How can I stay informed about updates of the portal?
The Dutch Climate Risk Portal is regularly updated. Any changes or new features will be announced in the News section, which is also displayed on the homepage.
Where can I find information about the Caribbean part of the Kingdom?
Information about climate risks and adaptation in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom can be found on the Climate Adaptation Knowledge Platform and the dedicated Caribbean Climate Impact Atlases.