ICER 2023: Circular targets remain out of reach The Netherlands aims to have a fully circular economy by 2050 and halve its use of raw materials by 2030. In recent years, however, little progress has been made in either regard.
RIVM describes building blocks of future-proof soil strategy Soil use is becoming increasingly intensive. From use for agriculture and housing construction to recreation and infrastructure. At the same time, we also depend on the soil-watersystem for a healthy living environment, restore biodiversity, countering climate change, energy transition, absorption of rainwater and keeping groundwater clean.
Circular economy: plastics recycling from end-of-life vehicles could be four times higher At present, 85% of plastics from end-of-life vehicles is still incinerated. Only 15% of plastics is reused as a raw material. A survey conducted by RIVM has revealed possibilities to expand recovery of these plastics fourfold by 2030.
International research confirms: lockdowns have negative impact on many young people Lockdowns have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of many young people. They get less exercise and experience more feelings of depression, loneliness and insecurity.
Quality of protective equipment insufficient during COVID-19 crisis The personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased at the national level during the COVID-19 crisis for use in the healthcare sector only partly met the required standards of quality.
Nearly a quarter-million positive COVID-19 tests last week Last week*, 242,961 positive COVID-19 tests were reported to RIVM**. That is an increase of 21% compared to the week before that.
200 thousand people tested positive in one week 201,536 positive COVID-19 tests were reported to RIVM last week. That is an increase of 77% compared to the previous week. Such high numbers of reported infections within just one week have never been seen before in the Netherlands.
Omicron causes 35% increase in positive COVID-19 tests, despite lockdown In the past week*, the number of reported positive COVID-19 tests increased by 35% compared to the week before that. The number of people tested by the GGD was about the same.