The Netherlands in 2120

Projectinformation

In short

City 2120: climate-proof and livable
Living with water, not against it
Nature as a basis for design
Future scenario inspires choices now
Collaboration between people and landscape

Climate change, urbanisation, biodiversity, rising sea levels, extreme weather and increasing food production: these are just a few of the factors that help shape the spatial planning of the Netherlands. There appears to be a need to look to the future. With these factors in mind, what will the Netherlands look like a century from now? Wageningen University & Research has drafted a vision on what it believes a future-proof Netherlands could look like in 2120.

This is an integral vision in that it considers the spatial planning of the Netherlands in 2120 from various perspectives, such as agriculture, biodiversity, sustainable energy, water and the circular econom

A future, naturally

This map is not a blueprint, but a projection. It shows the Netherlands as it could look in 2120 if nature-based solutions are prioritised.

The map of the Netherlands in 2120

This view on the future was inspired by several design and discussion sessions held with researchers. We hope to use the results of these sessions, along with our scientific knowledge, to further shape and develop the vision and contribute to the societal debate.

The map of the Netherlands in 2120 (NL)

Downloads

2120 collection

The vision has now spread widely and is being further developed or even already put into practice in many places. This has led to several 2120 initiatives, ranging from small to large, such as in Wageningen, Arnhem, Vallei and Veluwe, Green Metropolis and even Europe.

View the 2120 collection here (mostly in Dutch):

News about the Netherlands in 2120

Het verhaal achter de kaart: hoe Nederland 2120 een prijswinnende visie werd

Nederland 2120 wint Grote Maaskantprijs. Met Tim van Hattum, Michaël van Buuren en Bertram de Rooij blikken we terug op het begin.

Don't let the river surprise us

Climate change not only leads to rising sea levels, but also puts our rivers to the test.

Natuurmaatregelen in heel Nederland op de kaart

Wat gebeurt er in Nederland om natuur te verbeteren of aan te leggen, en hoe helpt dat om maatschappelijke problemen op te lossen?

NL2120 wint de Grote Maaskantprijs

NL2120 ontvangt dit jaar de Grote Maaskantprijs. De vijfkoppige jury kent de prijs toe aan het collectief achter het project.

A hand holding a camera lens through which a city can be seen

Drie goede redenen om een eeuw vooruit te kijken

Wat is zo’n toekomstvisie precies, waarom werkt zo’n inspirerend verhaal, hoe moet je het verhaal erachter interpreteren, maar ook: wat kun je ermee als beleidsmaker?

Zo kan de Nederlandse stad er in 2120 uitzien

Drijvende woningen, zelfrijdende auto’s, herten in de uiterwaarden, beekjes met watervallen en groen in plaats van asfalt. Welkom in de stad van 2120.

Questions about this project?

Do you have a question about the Netherlands in 2120? Ask our expert:

ir.ing. T (Tim) van Hattum

Program Leader Green Climate Solutions

Animation: This is what the Netherlands could look like in 2120 (if we shape it from a nature-based perspective)

Green climate solutions

We accelerate climate and biodiversity action through science-based solutions for a climate-proof and nature-positive future.

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