Dutch government discriminated against Bonaire islanders over climate adaptation, court rules

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Isabella KaminskiJanuary 28, 2026 at 05:55 PM

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medium article 3 min

A Dutch court ruled that the Netherlands discriminated against the island of Bonaire by failing to adequately address climate change adaptation. The lawsuit, brought by Bonaire residents and Greenpeace Nederland, argued the government was neglecting the island's vulnerability to climate impacts like sea-level rise. The court found the Netherlands in violation of human rights articles protecting family life and prohibiting discrimination, citing the lack of a coherent adaptation plan for Bonaire despite known risks. The ruling requires the government to create a concrete adaptation plan for Bonaire and establish a national carbon budget aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5C, including legally binding emission reduction targets. The court acknowledged Bonaire's limited resources to tackle climate change and emphasized the need for a fair contribution from the Netherlands in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

The Hague 50% European convention on human rights 50% Caribbean ×260% Jackie Bernabela ×260% Greenpeace Nederland ×270% Netherlands ×380% Dutch government ×390% Bonaire ×795%

Keywords

climate change 100% bonaire 90% discrimination 90% climate adaptation 80% dutch government 80% court ruling 70% greenhouse gas emissions 70% human rights 60% carbon budget 50% sea-level rise 40%