It’s gotten to that point where we’re getting all misty-eyed and reminiscing on the events of 2019. But maybe not too misty-eyed – gotta save that water, because 2019 was the third-hottest year in the history of the Netherlands, after all.
It was also a year of bizarre weather events. Who can forget the heatwave of 2019’s summer? (Although we really want to forget sweating in front of the fan in our underpants, because that just was not attractive). 2019’s average temperature was 11.2 degrees. That may sound surprisingly low – but the average is 10.1, Weeronline told NOS. That climate crisis, right?
Over the summer, the Netherlands smashed the 75-year-old national heat record not once, but twice. The former high of 38.6 degrees got blown out of the water on July 24 when the mercury jumped to 39.3 degrees – and then a day later surpassed 40 degrees in five different provinces. Let’s be clear; those aren’t records we want to break – the extreme heat caused an estimated 400 extra deaths over the month.
On the other end of the scale, there was one day that was the coldest in the year: October 6 was just a bit chillier than normal. However, fourteen days were warmer than the same date in previous years.
The weird and wonderful weather gave rise to a surprising number of different natural events, like these shining night clouds in late June:
Small ice crystals formed on dust particles high in the atmosphere, and then got spectacularly illuminated by the horizon behind – glorious, right?
Despite a slightly higher than average rainfall for the year, large parts of the Netherlands continue to suffer from drought. Start your rain dances, because we need steady rain for months to raise groundwater levels and repair our dried soil.
What did you think of the weather of 2019? Did it live up to the Netherland’s rainy reputation, or was a it a tad too boiling hot? Let us know in the comments below!
Welcome to another episode of DutchReview tripping, we’re off to our fair neighbour to the south, Belgium, where the roads are worse but the food and beers are better. This time we visit the lovely Flemish town of Gent, and 2020 especially is the year to this charming historic city.
Gent! Why should you go to Gent? Is it the beers? Is it because it hasn’t been overrun with tourists yet? Is it the buzzing student culture? Or the fact that it is all about the renowned master Van Eyck? As so often, asking all these questions is answering them. Gent is a lovely town for a getaway from the Netherlands and especially for the art and culture lovers, a trip to Gent won’t disappoint. (Ghent? We’re gonna go with Gent)
Image: Nora Maria/Supplied
We usually take our own pics in all of these city reports, but as it happens the wonderful Nora Maria was also going to Gent, she was kind enough to let us use some of her pics (check out our photo report together right here!)
What’s there to see in Gent?
Before we talk about all the nice things to see and do in Gent, allow me to wholeheartedly recommend getting the CityCard Gent. If you’re there for more than 24 hours you should get the 48h card. For just 30 euros you’re gaining free access to more or less everything there and free transport and a free bike rental. All of this makes the experience tranquil, no more doubting if you want to visit a museum for 12 euros and if you’ve got time for it. Just peep in and do and see whatever you feel like for how long you feel like, it’s free and you’ve got a bicycle!
Thank me later, because there’s plenty to see in Gent. The city centre is nice, cultured, compact and old – reminds me of a slightly bigger version of Delft or Leiden. Let’s start you off with some of the classic things to do when in Gent.
Enjoy the scenery at the Graslei and the Korenlei
You can’t miss it and you don’t want to miss it. These two streets are overlooking the central canal of Gent and it’s the stuff Instagrammers dream of. It’s a bit touristy of course, but you can understand that because the scenery and houses are so damn beautiful. Return in the nighttime for that fairytale shot.
Whereas all the good Dutch cities have their buildings date back to the 1600, these Flemish towns are a bit older and usually have houses dating back to the 1400’s. Gravensteen a.k.a the ‘Castle of the Counts’ even dates back to the 12th century.
You wouldn’t say that it’s so old since it stayed nicely intact, for those that like it – there’s also an interesting torture room – for if you really want to get that Game of Thrones feeling.
Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Belfry
The centre of Gent is lovely, but 2 buildings are not to be missed. The Cathedral is magnificent and will just draw you in. The Belfry is an architectural highlight of Gent, climbing that tower is an experience that will stay with you for years.
St. Bavo Cathedral in Gent. Image: Nora Maria/SuppliedBelfry at dawn. Image: Nora Maria/Supplied
Enjoy the good Flemish life
Have your picture taken on the bridge near the Korenlei, jump on a cliche (but still great) canal tour through Gent, eat a neuzeke and sit down and enjoy life with a beer or two. Gent has enough to offer you but it’s still keeping it compact without being overrun by tourists. Add a vibrant student comunity and you can imagine that it’s a nice spot to chill and hang out for a few days.
Sit and relax a bit, have a beer and watch life float by (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)
Pro-tip: Make sure to visit the Museum quarter at the Citadelpark
I’m not sure we can call this tip ‘off the beaten path’, but it’s easy to stick around in the centre of Gent. But if you have any cultural feelings you shouldn’t, you’re a mere 15 minutes walk away from one of the nicest cultural quarters of Europe. The Citadelpark, nice enough itself, boasts an impressive array of grand museums.
The Museum of Fine Arts – already waving the Van Eyck banners (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)
There’s the S.M.A.K. museum, offering all those fine modern art pieces to change spice things up in life – we were thoroughly impressed.
Source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen
And just opposite is the winner of the day, the Museum of Fine Arts. This one has an excellent and impressive collection of new and old things, paintings and statues and everything in between. We couldn’t visit the complete museum, but those of you planning a trip to Gent in 2020 can though. Since then the city will be in hyper-mode as the Flemish master Van Eyck is celebrated extensively throughout the city.[td_smart_list_end]
(source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)(source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)
Gent in 2020: the town of van Eyck
In 2020, Gent will be celebrating the life and work of Jan van Eyck, a fifteenth-century painter who revolutionised the art scene of the day. The celebration will be called “OMG! Van Eyck was here” and will be celebrated through theatre performances, exhibitions, visual art, dancing, design, fashion, gastronomy, shopping, and music. We’re going to give you a rundown of some of the events we’re most excited about: but there’s going to be so much more to see as well, so we really recommend you go and check out the full programme on VisitGent’s website.
In case you need a reminder, here’s a nice clip of the maker of the Lamb God:
The largest Van Eyck exhibition ever
Given van Eyck’s enormous influence on the art world, it’s not at all surprising that one of the events we’re most excited about is an exhibition of his works. Not just any exhibition, though: the largest ever. It will be called “Van Eyck: An Optical Revolution”. Only twenty of van Eyck’s paintings have survived, and you can expect the majority of them to be present at this exhibition. It’ll run from 1 February to 30 April next year, so get buying those tickets now!
The adoration of the mystical Lamb has tons of details going on in it, mesmerizing. You’ve got to see Van Eyck masterpiece with your own eyes. Image: Jan van Eyck/Wikimedia
Must See in Gent: The Adoration of the Mystical Lamb
Special attention will be given to the famous Gent Altarpiece, “The Adoration of the Mystical Lamb” (in Dutch Het Lam Gods). This was painted by van Eyck between 1420 and 1432, and is considered a masterpiece and a world treasure. There will be several events centred around this artwork, including the opening of a new visitor’s centre at St Bavo’s Cathedral, where the altarpiece lives, and an overview of the six centuries of history of the painting.
Catch the masterpiece by Van Eyck in the cathedral (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)
But there’s plenty of other attention being given to Van Eyck, a good example of this are the impressive graffiti paintings found throughout the city. Which in a way is just Gent showing off its old and new appealing features.
A Van Eyck inspired piece of graffiti (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)On our way back from the Museum district we encountered plenty of characterful sights (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)And for the fans of graffiti, theres also a full blown graffiti alley in Gent (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)We could have talked about all the appealing architecture in Gent all day, here’s the old socialist building. (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)
Let’s get to some practical details on a visit to Gent.
How to get to Gent
Gent is located more or less in between Brugge and Brussels and South of Antwerp. You can take the car of course, but it’s probably a good two-hour drive with some added time if you’re going via the infamous ‘Ring of Antwerp’. Taking the train is also possible, the Thalys and intercity direct stop in Gent! The Thalys will take you from Amsterdam to Gent in 2 hours and 16 minutes, not bad.
Where to sleep in Gent
Gent has plenty of options for staying the night in Gent, both classic and modern. And since it’s a student city I reckon there are also plenty of options available on Airbnb.
We stayed at the Marriott hotel right at the Graslei. It was a completely modern hotel behind a beautiful old facade overlooking the canal. What it lacked in ‘old-timey atmosphere’ it more than made up for it in location and neatness.
Not a bad view indeed (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)
Where to eat in Gent
You wouldn’t be surprised that Gent has plenty of classic and modern options. The Flemish kitchen has honestly more to offer than the Dutch one and so eating out in a cosy tavern or such is always a nice idea. We had our classic Flemish meal near the cathedral at ‘T Vosken. Jazzy vibes, great food for nice prices, whisky sours and don’t miss out on those shrimp croquettes!
When in Flanders, always eat all the croquettes (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)
The gentrification of Gent (double points for wordplay, finally could use this) has also taken place and it’s not a bad thing for the culinary scene. Plenty of other options if you’re not feeling anything for waffles or fries. Fine dining too, we had dinner at Naturel. Where we enjoyed numerous courses and a special setting full of mural paintings and nice details themed as the ‘garden of Eden’, good to see something different than all the regular ‘fancy-industrial’ places.
Naturell’s eclectic interior (source: DutchReview/Abuzer van Leeuwen)
Oh, and a nice little tip for the sweet tooths reading this one. There’s a little classic candy shop called Temmermans in Gent which is truly a hidden gem, be sure to visit that one!
Have you been to Gent? Planning a trip to Gent to see the work of Van Eyck in 2020? Let us know in the comments!
Oh, and since it would be a waste to not share all of Nora Maria’s pics with you:
Are you tired of always having to wait 6-9 months to finally enjoy some fun times in Amsterdam? We hear you! Summer is definitely too short and doesn’t come around often enough, but we shouldn’t put all of our eggs in one basket, right? There’s more fun to be had apart from this short sunny period of heaven, so don’t rule out summer’s slightly uglier siblings: spring, autumn and winter.
1. Indulge guilt-free in your comfiest clothes
The latter doesn’t sound particularly appealing, but hear me out. When oh when is it possible during the year to indulge in delicious food that is far to sweet, oily and unhealthy to be consumed in any other season? The fact that it’s cold means that you can cover up without feeling guilty or looking suspicious. So, put on your comfiest sweater, stretch denim jeans and finally your plushy boots, then eat yourself through this incredible list of restaurants in Amsterdam.
Winter time is burger time
While you’re already out eating, don’t forget to have a drink. Or two. Forget awkwardly squinting during your conversations with friends on overcrowded terraces just to realise that it’s ten degrees colder once the sun has gone down. Think instead: cozy brown cafés and trendy bars with fireplaces, comfy sofas and soft lighting. Ah, the perks of winter in Amsterdam. It doesn’t get more “gezellig” than this. Go out, try some specialty beers that seem far too heavy for summer, find a nice bar and drink their entire cocktail menu or indulge in a decadent hot chocolate after a long day of shopping.
“Do you want to fatten me up?” This is probably what you’re asking at this point. But hey, there’s more to winter in Amsterdam than eating and drinking yourself senseless to celebrate the festive season. How about going for a nice long walk to look at the various light installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival? If you feel particularly sporty you can also grab your skates and head towards one of the ice-skating rinks in town to counterbalance your calorie-intake (there are even natural ice rinks you can venture you!)
Image: Leiden Marketing.
If you need a place to warm up after your outdoor adventure you can head to one of the countless museums in town. Since it’s always a shame to do anything indoorsy during summer, purely due to fear of missing the warmest day of the year, you can wander around in museums completely guilt-free during the cold season. Catch up on all the exhibitions you wanted to check out or go on a movie-bender at your favourite cinema in town.
3. Floating down the canals in a hot tub
Did I convince you yet? What if I told you that you could enjoy one of the population’s favourite activities in Amsterdam (namely boating) also in winter? Too cold, you say? Picture the canals painted in a beautiful light by the winter sun and you cruising around with a group of friends. But you’re not sitting in a regular boat. You’re in a hot tub.
A steaming, wood-fired hot tub. A hot tub that you can relax in as you sail through the canals while sipping on a delicious drink. Now that’s the way to enjoy winter in Amsterdam.
You see, winter in Amsterdam isn’t so bad! Look on the bright side and turn that frown upside down. What’s your favourite winter activity?
Christmas is such a great time for the family: you can see your loved ones, exchange presents, and enjoy a delicious meal. But, fair warning: the family will probably give you some disapproving stares if you end up being arrested before dessert.
That’s what happened for one of the United Kingdom’s most wanted criminals, who was arrested while enjoying Christmas dinner at a restaurant in The Hague. The 28-year-old has been on the run for five years.
But, hey, it was a great Christmas present for the cops! I’m sure they put ‘arrest a gang leader’ on their wishlist, and boy did Santa deliver. The man is suspected of leading a gang of smugglers of arms and ammunition between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom by utilising corrupt truck drivers.
It sure is true what they say about ending up on the naughty list: the man had ten charges filed against him in England, for the smuggling above, and for drug offences. Now, instead of seeing a white Christmas, the Brit will see the inside of a Dutch court; and find out if and when he will be extradited back to the UK.
A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency (NCA) calls the arrest a fantastic result. “The people can be sure that the NCA will ruthlessly pursue people who harm the UK, even on Christmas Day.” Merry Christmas, NCA!
Hundreds of euros in rewards have been offered by criminals in anonymous chat groups for information leading to the identity of Dutch police officers. One suspect has been arrested.
The criminals use Telegram, a Whatsapp competitor, to communicate. RTL Nieuws accessed the groups, discovering members would request full names and addresses of agents. In the messages, the senders want to stalk, threaten, or other things to the police officers that are targeted.
Some members are requesting the identity of specific police officers by sending photos. Others offer paid services to retrieve private information. Parking guards and NS conductors have also been targeted.
Rewards a step too far
The Dutch Police Association says that bullying and threats are far too common, but offering rewards is a step further. “This is going to be under your skin as a police officer. When you are shopping, you look around you every time,” said Jan Struijs of the union.
In one instance, a chat member posted photos of two Rotterdam police officers. They’re offering a reward of 500 euros for information about the identity of the agents, confirmed the Public Prosecution Service (OM). An investigation led to the arrest and interrogation of a suspect.
Sometimes legal
The OM has said the targeting of officers is ‘very drastic’ and extremely worrying. However, people can only be arrested if they make threats; solely taking pictures or asking for the identity of a police officer cannot be punished.
The second that a threat is made, police intervene. “If anything is added that makes such a request punishable, such as a threatening element, then we are on top of it,” says the Rotterdam public prosecutor Ernst Pols.
The chat groups have hundreds to thousands of members. Not all messages are targeting law enforcement. Other group members focus on trading prohibited goods, like drugs, heavy fireworks, and weapons.
What do you think of these criminal chat groups? How can police officers be protected? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The municipality of The Hague has refused to issue a permit for another bonfire in Scheveningen. The organisers’ solution? A torchlight procession to raise funds for next year’s permit.
The organisers of the annual bonfire have had to give up on plans for this year’s event, after still being without a permit while New Year’s Eve draws dangerously closer. They wrote on Facebook that there is no longer enough time.
Instead, a torchlight procession will travel from Van Sint Aldegondeplein to the beach of Scheveningen. 300 people will be able to carry a torch, with funds raised going towards legal aid for the application of next year’s permit.
What happened last year?
The event got out of hand last year when a mammoth bonfire of 48 metres tall. It was windy and chilly, and when the bonfire got going a rain of embers began to fall on the crowd – we wish we were kidding!
People were evacuated, bikes got partially melted, and the fire department had to put out embers that were on top of people’s roofs. Basically, it was a disaster.
After last year’s blunder, the municipality of The Hague put an end to permits for building bonfires on during the New Year.
Do you think bonfire organisers should be allowed to get a permit next year? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!
For all expats, book lovers and hardcore Brits out there, forget the hustle and bustle of the various Dutch Christmas markets, the Amsterdam light festival or the ever ongoing ‘zwarte piet‘ festivities saga: Deventer is the place to be for a real Christmas treat this time of year.
For one weekend a year in December, Deventer is home to the classic British author Charles Dickens. But what the Dickens is this festival all about?
Dickens Festijn takes place around the second weekend of December every year and sees over 125,000 visitors flock to the picturesque town of Deventer for some Dickens inspired tomfoolery. Some of the oldest streets are decorated to depict the Victorian era. It is a great end to a year of festivities and is fitting for the town that is home to two famous printing presses from the 15th century.
Never a dull moment
Image: Aisha Brown/Supplied
Last year there was an hour wait to get inside the alleyways of the Dickens Festival, but we had plenty of entertainment to starve of the boredom with actors young and old making this event a real Christmas tradition for all to enjoy. From performers on the balconies, gentry talking amongst themselves in the street, to newspaper boys selling the Dickens ‘Krant’ and girls sweeping the streets for a ‘tuppence or two’.
After what felt like an age we were finally inside and my, what a magical sight. There were murals telling the story of Charles Dickens most beloved stories. The Pickwick Papers, Bleak House, Little Dorrit and the beloved festive canon: A Christmas Carol. This mural had the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future handpainted on three doors with a small paragraph of the story (albeit in Dutch) above each of the murals.
Street performers galore
Image: Aisha Brown/Supplied
We beelined straight for the hot toddy – mulled wine or gluhwein as it is known in the Netherlands, served to us by two very sweet ‘Victorian’ ladies. We got to enjoy the delight of the carol singers in the street as we warmed up after the cold queuing session.
Fagin and the gang, including the Artful Dodger walked amongst the crowds, trying to distract passers-by, cooing at babies in prams and attempting to “pick a pocket or two”. Chimney sweepers shouted at us from the rooftops, pointing, laughing, and being mischievous, then came down to enjoy a picture or two with the adoring crowds. David Copperfield and Clara Peggotty stood and talked to us for a while and said they had enjoyed taking part in this festival for many years.
Then there was the workhouse, where paupers and orphans could be seen working and Mr. Bumble ensured that the boys stayed in line. Although, there was no sign of little Oliver Twist this time around, it was still fantastic and half the fun was trying to figure out if you’d spotted a famous character from one of the better known classics.
Decorations that look the part
But it wasn’t just the actors that made this a magic day out. The storefronts were adorned with Christmas decorations, every shop owner dressed the part in Victorian attire from simple paupers to noblemen and women. They stood or sat amongst the throng of people and tried luring you into see what trinkets they could entice you to buy all in with keeping with the shop merchants of the era.
There were women and men manning stalls of hot baked potatoes, pies and sweet carts that had the children running and pulling their parents to grab handfuls to tuck into. The cobbled streets were adorned with old-style lanterns and garlands dressed the windows of the shops and houses.
The inside of houses was equally intriguing, you couldn’t help but peer inside with models of Scrooge, and even Charles Dickens himself, lit up by the windows. It really gave you a feel for how Dickens brought all his characters to life. We even spotted a woman whom could have easily passed for Queen Victoria having a spot of afternoon tea with her family.
Should you go to the Dickens Festival?
Overall, this is a real family affair and a joyous occasion to experience this time of year. I would recommend this event to everyone – not just the classic book lovers. It’s a great day out and there is so much to see and do, not just at the festival, but Deventer as a whole with its quaint shops and boutique restaurants.
So, would I go again? Definitely. It is a fantastic day out, there is a lot to see and do and from what I’ve heard, it gets bigger and better every year and I have ‘Great Expectations’ for next year’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.
Have you visited the Dickens Festival in Deventer? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
The Netherlands oldest resident has passed away just before Christmas. Geertje Kuijntjes was 114 years old when she passed away two nights ago.
It’s quite a feat to reach 114 years old – imagine the things Kuijntjes must have seen! We’re talking being a teenage when WWI broke out, living through WWII, and still being around to see the latest iPhone release.
Kuijntjes has been the oldest resident of the Netherlands for an impressive four years. She was born and raised in Gorinchem in 1905, never married, and had no children.
She lived completely independently until entering a nursing home at the age of 105. Kuijntjes was a seamstress until her retirement.
New oldest Dutchie
Utrecht is now host of the oldest resident of the Netherlands. Another female, Anne Brasz-Later is 113 years old.
Kuijntjes death comes just a month after the death of the oldest American, Alelia Murphy, who also lived to the age 114.
Phew, the Dutch sure love rules and laws! We suppose it does help cultivate the super-organised society we’ve all come to know and love.
But, it seems one of the Dutch government’s new year’s resolutions was to change a bunch of rules: some for the better, and others for the worse. So what’s changing come January 1, and how will you be affected? Let’s dive right in.
Family funding & feuds
Hopefully, your family is cruising along swimmingly. Good news if so: childcare and child benefits will increase in the new year! If you’re thinking about adding to your Dutch family, look forward to some time off: from July 1, 2020 parents will be allowed to take an extra five weeks of leave at 70 per cent of their salary.
But, if you’re thinking about divorcing your partner, first, our consolations. Second, make sure you wait until the new year and you could save some serious dough! While divorced partners could previously be required to pay alimony for up to twelve years, the cap on this will drop on January 1 to a maximum of five years. Call your lawyer and delay that paperwork, stat!
Jobs and money
Laws regarding employment and income are undergoing a bunch of changes, so we’re going to give you the highlight reel instead.
Minimum Wage Increases
Merry Christmas! Those earning minimum wage will benefit from pay increases in the new year, with any full-time employees over 21-year-old now earning a minimum of €1,653.60.
Taxes
There could be more money in your pocket, with the Dutch ditching one of their tax brackets – they’ll now have two, instead of three. Income up to 68,507 euros will be taxed at 37.35 per cent. Anything above this amount will be taxed at 49.5 per cent.
Balance Employment Market Act (WAB)
The name may sound like a snoozefest, but the changes the WAB brings into play are pretty huge! From the new year, employees will be able to benefit from:
the right to a transition payment from the first day working at a company
fixed-hour contracts for on-call employees who have been at a company for twelve months or longer
the right at least four-days advance notice of shifts for on-call employees
Self-employed
If you’re self-employed and not doing too well, it’s good news for you: the welfare benefit for self-employed persons will be lowered in 2020, so getting assistance will be that little bit easier. There’s also a decrease in the corporate and income tax rates, depending on circumstances.
Staying healthy
The healthcare allowance will be raised in 2020, and the basic package will get some extra additions, while the price remains the same – win! The Netherlands will also see the introduction of a new law which would allow patients to forcefully be admitted to facilities when required.
Women included in conscription
Whew, we’re all for equality (although maybe not so much for conscription). From 2020, women will also be included if the government decides to implement compulsory military service. Don’t stress though: the last time it happened was 24 years ago!
Revenge Porn & Traffic Infringements
In a win for men and women everywhere, revenge porn will now become a separate, punishable offence. In fact, offenders could even be sent to jail for two years (we’re okay with having these people off the street and internet).
Traffic offenders could be joining them, with jail time for serious traffic offences increasing from two months to six months – even in cases where damage was limited or nonexistent. Reckless drivers who cause serious accidents could now be in prison for a maximum of six years.
Diesel car restrictions
Do you drive a diesel car? You may want to reconsider that decision. From 2020, municipalities will have the power to implement yellow or green environmental zones which will decide which cars can drive there. It will be calculated based on the amount of pollution your vehicle emits. Diesel cars will also be subjected to a 15 per cent particulate matter surcharge in addition to their standard road tax.
An electric car could be a great alternative – and tax breaks for these will continue, with no vehicle or purchase tax to be paid. That means you can save the earth and the planet all at once!
Will these changes to Dutch law make your life easier? What else needs to be done? Let us know in the comments below!
The US President Donald Trump is after wind turbines again and this time he had a temper tantrum about how he “never understood wind”. But wait here people, let’s not hate him. He did say that he loves orange.
“They have all kinds of different colours. They are sort of white but some are orange-white. Orange is my favourite colour,” he explained.
You remember that last time he said that they cause cancer, right? Well, this time, he says that they “propel hazardous substances into the atmosphere”, reports NU.nl. He said in a recent speech he delivered for Turning Point USA, “I know a lot about windmills. I have studied them better than anyone I know”.
I think even NU.nl was taking a shot at him as their report also says, “It is also unclear whether the president means that the turbines produce certain substances or only emit them”.
There might be some truth to it because windmills do emit sulfur hexafluoride, a harmful greenhouse gas. But, we don’t know if this is what the POTUS meant. However, windmills only cause 0.001% of the emissions which wind turbines prevent.
He went on to say that they are “bird cemeteries”. According to a survey from 2013, NU.nl reports that at least 328,000 birds die each year in North America because they fly into a wind turbine.
Luckily, here in the Netherlands, we have the brilliant minds at the University of Amsterdam working on a project to predict when a group of birds would fly into the wind turbines!
So do you also hate windmills, wind turbines (I honestly don’t know which ones he means at this point), and love orange? Let us know in the comments below!
