In an unprecedented fact, inhabitants of the island of Bonairein the Dutch Antillesa trial against the Nancious Statusto which they accuse of Do not take sufficient measures To face the Climate crisis. The audience began in Haguewith the presence of representatives of the community and the Greenpeace environmental organizationthat supports the demand.
“This climate change is not for us a distant threat. Where we worked, we played, walked or fished during the day, heat is now often unbearable”He said Onnie emerenciafarmer and spokesman of the islanders, before the four magistrates that make up the court.
An island at risk of disappearing
According to the official site of Greenpeace, Bonaire It is among the Dutch municipalities most exposed to the impact of climate change. A study prepared by the Free University of Amsterdam (VU) warned that The south of the island could be submerged permanently before the end of the centurydue to the increase in sea level.
During your statement, EmeORENCENA described how climatic alterations transformed the daily life of the community: “Parents say that their children can no longer walk to school as they did before. Outdoor games were replaced by roof activities, behind closed doors”
The farmer appeared before the court with a scarf with the colors of the Bonaire flagas a sign of pride and resistance.
They demand immediate action against climate change
Demand, jointly driven by Residents of Bonaire and Greenpeacerequest that Netherlands adopt a Comprehensive Climate Protection Plan for the island, with adaptation and mitigation policies that include the Total reduction of CO2 emissions by 2040.
The claim also seeks that the State recognize its Historical Environmental Responsibilityconsidering that its lack of action directly threatens the survival of the territory and its inhabitants.
The judicial process of Bonaire against Netherlands represents the First European case which develops after the recent opinion of the International Court of Justice (CIJ)issued in July, about legal obligations of climate matters.
The highest court of the United Nations, based in Hagueestablished that The countries that fail to comply with their environmental commitments commit an “illicit” act And they can be demanded by the most affected states or communities.
That decision marked a global legal precedent, since it allows legislators, lawyers and judges from different countries invoke the opinion of the ICJ to reform laws or initiate judicial actions against governments for their climatic inaction.
The trial could sit a new precedent
To prosper the cause, the failure of Hague could force the Netherlands to reinforce your adaptation and mitigation policiesas well as repair environmental damage in the most vulnerable territories under its jurisdiction.
The case Bonaire Not only does the Dutch administration question, but also Open a new stage in international climate lawwhere the affected communities begin to claim before the global justice the direct responsibility of the states for environmental deterioration.
Source: Ambito
