This is how the Netherlands broke records in nitrogen pollution

Despite the abundance of bicycles and green spaces, according to the Artie report, the Netherlands is not as green a country as it appears from the outside. Much of the Netherlands' land is used for agriculture, and because of the fertilizers used in agriculture, nitrogen concentrations in soil, water and air are at record highs.

In the Netherlands, agricultural and industrial areas are very close to nature reserves. The country produces 46 kg of nitrogen per hectare, compared to the European average of 11.2 kg. The State Council asked the government to reduce nitrogen emissions by 50 percent by 2030 with a radical plan to buy 3,000 farms. This angered the farmers.

The environmental and economic crisis surrounding nitrogen has also caused a political crisis. Last July, the government coalition led by center-right Mark Rutte failed. Geert Wilders' anti-Islam, climate-skeptic party won the November election, but was unable to form a government coalition. Meanwhile, the nitrogen reduction plan is faltering, worrying environmentalists.