Demands

Call to action: Climate march September 12

On Saturday, September 12, we are demanding an end to our dependence on the fossil fuel industry in Amsterdam. As long as politicians take no action and we remain tied to oil, coal, gas, and nuclear power, we remain at the mercy of international conflicts and volatile energy prices. While we foot the bill, fossil fuel companies are once again making billions from war.

Our overarching message is clear: “Choose our future. End the fossil fuel era!”

Why we are taking to the streets now:

  • Taking charge of our own energy
    As long as the Netherlands opts for oil, gas, and nuclear power, we remain vulnerable. We are dependent on high prices and susceptible to international conflicts. By generating our own clean energy, we reclaim control over our future.
  • The climate crisis is happening now and knows no borders
    Climate change is not a problem for the future; extreme heat, drought, and flooding are already affecting people today—most severely in the Global South, but increasingly close to home as well.
  • Invest where it makes a difference
    The government plans to spend 14 billion on nuclear power. Yet those plants won’t be ready for decades. That takes too long. Invest that money now in lower energy bills, proper insulation, and clean energy.

Demands for the minority government

  1. Fossil fuel independence: End reliance on oil, coal, gas, and nuclear power, and accelerate the transition to clean energy from solar and wind. Domestic green energy makes us independent of oil, gas, and geopolitical conflicts.
  2. Insulated homes, lower bills: Launch a national plan to rapidly insulate drafty homes. This leads to lower energy costs, reduced energy waste, and a comfortable home for everyone.
  3. End fossil fuel subsidies: Phase out tax breaks for fossil fuel companies through a rapid and equitable phase-out schedule. Maintain the CO₂ tax for major industry. The polluter pays. Tax revenue should go towards our future, not the profits of major polluters.
  4. Establish a National Transition Fund: Directly involve workers in the plans so they do not pay the price for the necessary downsizing of polluting sectors.
  5. Take responsibility through a Global Fossil Fuel Treaty: The Netherlands must join a global treaty to phase out oil, gas, and coal. Ensure a fair approach. Also support the Global South with funding and expertise for a just transition and protection against climate disasters.
Climate march, 12 september, Amsterdam