Thousands of farmers gathered in central Netherlands last Wednesday to protest against the national government's plans to curb nitrogen oxide and ammonia emissions. Farmers drove their tractors across the country, blocking traffic on major motorways. The protest drive was organised at the beginning of June after the Dutch government published national targets for emission reductions, sparking anger among farmers who claim that their livelihoods, and those of thousands of people working in the agricultural services sector, are under threat.

Calling it an "unavoidable transition", the government decided that emissions near many protected natural areas must be reduced by up to 70%, and in some areas by as much as 95%. The government was forced to act after courts began blocking permits for infrastructure and housing construction projects in recent years because the country had failed to meet its emission targets. (...)