On a vibrant Sunday, around 45,000 people filled the streets of The Hague. They called on the new government to prioritize climate change in its policies. Holding signs with messages like “Make the earth great again” and “It’s your mother, after all”, the protesters demanded more action to combat the climate crisis.
Margriet, 62, shared her thoughts, saying, “We’ve enjoyed prosperity, but we must also take responsibility.” She pointed out that while climate action is crucial, it doesn’t yield immediate results like building homes or creating jobs. This delayed gratification makes it tough for many to commit.
Lucie, 20, felt that climate change was sidelined during the election campaign. “Other topics dominated the debate. When climate issues seem distant, they’re easy to overlook,” she said.
For some, the protest was a chance to connect and feel hopeful. Carlijn, 26, was attending her first protest. “The energy here is uplifting. Even if politics moves slowly, it’s great knowing we’re not alone,” she expressed.
While various political parties were present, right-wing parties like the VVD were notably absent. Laurens Dassen, leader of Volt, emphasized that the climate crisis should be the top focus for the new cabinet. “It’s a challenge for everyone, not just progressives,” he stated.
Esther Ouwehand, leader of the Partij voor de Dieren, criticized the lack of climate discussion in the campaign. “It’s inspiring to witness so many people demanding change,” she said, urging all parties to present serious solutions.
Frans Timmermans from GroenLinks–PvdA described the climate crisis as “the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced.” D66 leader Rob Jetten noted that although climate policy has suffered setbacks, collaboration in politics could lead to significant advancements.
Interestingly, a recent survey indicated that 78% of voters believe climate change should be a priority for the new government. This reflects a growing awareness and urgency among the public about environmental issues.
In the age of social media, the protest garnered substantial online engagement. Many shared their experiences under hashtags like #ClimateMarch2025, showcasing a collective desire for action. The connection made offline echoed online, creating a community of concerned citizens ready to push for change.
With varying political views, the message remained clear: climate action isn’t just a topic; it’s a necessity for our future. As the world grapples with extreme weather events and rising sea levels, how governments respond to this call for action will be crucial in the coming years.
For further insights on climate action, you can check out this report from the [World Meteorological Organization](https://www.wmo.int). Their research highlights the urgency of tackling climate challenges globally.
