Hague court orders Dutch government to protect Bonaire from climate change

The Hague district court ruled that the Dutch government must create a legally binding plan to protect Bonaire’s residents from climate change impacts, including enforceable emissions targets aligned with the Paris Agreement.

By Andrew McBride1 min read

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The Hague district court ordered the Dutch government to develop a legally binding plan to protect Bonaire’s 20,000 residents from climate change effects. The ruling cited rising sea levels and increasing tropical storms as immediate threats to the island.

The court mandated that binding emissions-reduction targets be established within 18 months. These targets must align with the Paris Agreement and include emissions from air and sea transport.

The government may appeal the 90-page written decision. The ruling followed a case brought by eight Bonaire residents and supported by Greenpeace. The court found that existing government measures were insufficient and discriminatory.