News
Climate Change requires a new Art of Governing
Some 35 Dutch Public Administration scholars have published an open letter to the Dutch Parliament and Government, emphasizing the continued importance of acting on climate change.
Phd-student Dore Engbersen and chair holder Dave Huitema – both with the PAP group – signed the letter, which highlights the fact that failure to address the climate crisis will exacerbate existing challenges and impose a heavy toll on future generations. The Public Administration scholars advocate for a new art of governance that integrates immediate concerns with long-term sustainability goals.
Dutch politics is standing at a crossroad. Do we turn a blind eye at the injustices of the climate crisis, or do we face these challenges head on together?
This approach entails providing both short-term relief and long-term perspective, fostering societal engagement beyond polarization, and setting clear rules expectations for businesses while also encouraging their participation in climate action. Prof Dave Huitema explains: "It appears that the political tide in the Netherlands and Europe at large is turning against climate policy, which suffers from unnecessary antagonism and polarization. The need for just transformations has never been greater, and policy makers must stay the course, but also take the concerns of citizens seriously."
The open letter can be read here (only available in Dutch).