We are in a climate emergency. Rising temperatures are causing drastic, irreversible changes for all life on Earth. In the Netherlands, people in Limburg lost their homes due to flooding; elsewhere, wildfires are displacing communities and droughts are causing famine. The consequences are felt most intensely and acutely by those with the fewest resources to protect themselves against these threats – within the Netherlands, but in particular across our border.
The need for large-scale, immediate action is evident. Yet, our government continues to favor the side of those who are responsible for the climate crisis. Money is being wasted on the false solutions of multinationals, the aviation industry keeps expanding, and investments in oil and gas haven’t stopped. This needs to change now. Without tackling the root causes of the climate crisis, we will not stay below the already disastrous 1.5 degrees of warming.
We need fair solutions. We demand that our leaders stop wasting money on big polluters and start investing in the people who most need the support. For example, insulate social housing so that people have a warm home and a low energy bill. Invest in public transport to provide an affordable alternative to expensive car gas. And create green jobs in the education and health sector, among others. At the same time, offer help to countries that are most vulnerable in the face of climate change yet have contributed little to its cause. We can fight the climate crisis whilst ensuring a dignified life for all.
We can’t do it without you. In order to push for drastic action, we need as many voices as possible. With the ever-growing climate movement in the Netherlands we ensure that people and planet be put first, not polluters and their profits. On 19 June we take to the streets in Rotterdam – join us!
The Climate March is an initiative by the Dutch Climate Crisis Coalition, which is a collaboration between ten different organizations and groups: Oxfam Novib, Fridays For Future, Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion, FNV, Fossielvrij NL, Milieudefensie, Grootouders voor het Klimaat, Code Rood, DeGoedeZaak and TNI. The protest itself is organized by a team of passionate people like you, as well as a large number of enthusiastic volunteers – and of course we would be nowhere without the people who donate to this cause.
Listen to the available science and be honest about de consequences of the climate crisis. We are looking at uncontrollable global warming and the complete disruption of our habitat. The only answer is rapid change by means of regulating big polluters and reducing greenhouse gases as much as possible. In order to remain under the already disastrous 1.5 degrees of warming, we need to become climate neutral as quickly as possible. Involving civilians in this process is essential. As a rich country we should be leading the way, not trailing behind.
Oil, coal and gas heat up the Earth and spark disastrous conflicts. It is therefore essential that we quit fossil subsidies, block new fossil projects and divest from fossil altogether. Prohibit fossil fuel lobbyists from greenwashing via ads, sponsoring and marketing. Listen to ordinary citizens instead. Our government must radically reduce flights at Schiphol, cancel Lelystad Airport and invest in sustainable alternatives.
We want job security and perspective for everyone currently working in sectors that need to heavily reduce their emissions and/or energy use. The government, as well as companies, can offer guarantees in the shape of retraining and well-paid permanent jobs in e.g. healthcare, energy transition or education. Everyone who transitions to a less pollutive job should be able to make use of this support scheme, and should be offered good working conditions and fair terms of employment.
The big polluters and the richest one percent of the world who have not only caused the climate crisis but have also reaped colossal benefits off of their destructive behaviour, should be the to carry the heaviest burden. Their profits should be invested in civilians instead – especially those with the least resources – for example by insulating homes and investing in healthcare and education.
The climate crisis is a crisis of inequality. Across the globe, the poorest people are affected most by problems they have contributed to the least. Vulnerable countries should therefore be supported in their efforts to adapt to a changing climate. They should also receive compensation for previous damage, and get the means to restore living areas of most affected communities. The Dutch government has an obligation to listen to these communities and to involve them when creating solutions. The climate crisis doesn’t end at the border.
Most of the Netherlands’ energy supply still originates from fossil fuels. We must shift towards sustainable energy and increase its scale on land and at sea, whilst also reducing overall energy use. In this process, benefits for civilians and earnest care for nature must go hand in hand. Participation of civilians is key. Nuclear power plants are no part of the solution due to waste issues, time constraints and safety risks.
The Dutch agricultural system treats farmers unfairly and destroys ecosystems in the process. The future lies in nature-inclusive, circular agriculture with substantially less animals and price guarantees for healthy food. Farmers should receive support in this transition, and should be able to carry out their profession in a sustainable way.
Biodiversity is falling: nitrogen issues, microplastics, waste mountains. Forests are being cut down on a mass scale. This is inconsistent with the need for CO2 uptake via trees, and the importance of healthy ecosystems. Therefore our government must make large-scale investments in nature restoration and biodiversity. Any additional climate solutions must also be sustainable in order to facilitate this process. When tackling the climate crisis and ecological crisis, it is only possible to do so hand in hand.
The climate crisis does not wait! We will continue after the Climate March. With the organizations associated with the Climate Crisis Coalition, with local groups and with you! Stay informed via the newsletter.
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