KRALENDIJK - The Dutch government is appealing the court ruling in the climate case brought by Greenpeace on behalf of residents of Bonaire. In January, the court ruled that the State is doing too little to protect Bonaire against climate change. Climate Minister Stientje van Veldhoven (D66) announced the decision in a letter to parliament.
The court ruled in favour of the plaintiffs on several points, including discrimination: residents of Bonaire are not afforded the same level of protection as people on the Dutch mainland. Van Veldhoven acknowledges the concerns: "I understand that the people of Bonaire are worried. They do not want to be treated differently from other people in the Netherlands."
The cabinet sees "compelling legal reasons" for the appeal. The government wants the court of appeal to take a different view of international agreements on aviation and shipping. Those sectors produce significant emissions, but fall under international rules and should therefore not be factored into the ruling, according to the cabinet.
Part of the verdict remains in force
Despite the appeal, part of the verdict remains intact. The government must establish "clear, binding targets" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within eighteen months. Van Veldhoven has indicated she will still fulfil this obligation. However, the government is asking the court to suspend the requirement to draw up broad climate targets for the entire economy until the court of appeal has delivered its ruling.
Greenpeace: ‘Disgraceful and a waste of money’
Greenpeace has reacted angrily. Director Marieke Vellekoop calls the appeal "disgraceful and short-sighted" and describes it as a waste of money. "We will not abandon the people of Bonaire and will continue to fight for climate justice. The right to a safe future must not depend on where you live within the Netherlands."
Plaintiff Angelo Vrolijk is also disappointed. "We are saddened that the government is not simply acting on the ruling straight away. The court was clear: the State is not doing enough to protect us. We experience the consequences of the climate crisis every single day and have already waited far too long. But the government does what it always does — instead of protecting us, it tries to evade its responsibilities. Without immediate climate action, the consequences of the climate crisis will only get worse. But we will not be deterred and will keep fighting until we get the protection we are entitled to."
