The Netherlands must lead, and not wait for climate case decision
The International Court of Justice in The Hague is currently hearing the biggest climate case ever. The court must clarify what legal obligations countries have to protect the climate. But we need to look beyond that. So argues Frans Melissen, transversal professor in Sustainability Transitions at Breda University of Applied Sciences.
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Responsibility
The interesting thing about this case is that the Court is answering the question of how far our responsibility extends. This is the central question when it comes to sustainability transitions. By signing the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, we acknowledged our responsibility to tackle climate change. But the step to actually taking that responsibility seems to be a very big one.
Forcing this climate action will require several movements. The hearings now taking place in The Hague are very important - we should especially encourage them. But that is not the only thing that needs to happen. We also need activists. People who engage in sensible and rational conversation. People who dare to take the lead in companies to do things differently. People in politics who start to set different standards. It will take a combination of all these things to really make a difference.
Looking ahead
If we rely solely on litigation to address climate change, we will find ourselves merely looking at rules and regulations without making any real progress. This is not a transition, but rather an adaptation to changing circumstances. It is therefore crucial to also work towards preventing changes from becoming so severe that adaptation is no longer possible.
This requires looking ahead. It also requires courage, boldness and initiative. The Netherlands often prides itself on being innovative and taking the lead. We must demonstrate these qualities, especially in this area, and extend our efforts beyond our own borders.
