WILLEMSTAD - During the International Day of Democracy, hosted by Human Rights Defense Curaçao, former Dutch MP Dr. Kathleen Ferrier delivered a critical message: without immediate action to address the climate crisis, both nature and democracy are at risk. "We are in over our heads," Ferrier warned, urging citizen action to wake up the political establishment and force real change.
In her speech, Ferrier stressed that the effects of climate change are undeniable, particularly for vulnerable island states like Curaçao. She pointed out that extreme heat, flooding, and rising sea levels are already impacting quality of life and democratic stability on the island. “Many still believe climate change is a choice, but inaction is no longer an option. This is an undeniable reality that both society and government must confront,” Ferrier asserted.
One of the key themes in Ferrier’s address was the link between the climate crisis and the future of democratic societies. “If climate change continues unchecked, there will be no life left—except perhaps for the very wealthy. This will inevitably affect democracy,” she said. Ferrier emphasized that the growing inequality resulting from climate change will further weaken democratic processes.
She highlighted the shared responsibility of policymakers and citizens alike. “We all know what needs to be done, but nothing happens because of a lack of political will,” Ferrier explained. According to her, this is a global issue: “As long as political will is absent, reports and agreements will amount to nothing.”
Call for Citizen Action
Ferrier urged citizens to stop waiting and take matters into their own hands by pressuring politicians into action. “In a democracy, we, the citizens, have a crucial role to play. We cannot sit idly by, waiting for politicians to act. It is up to us to push the political system toward necessary action,” she emphasized. Drawing from her own experience, Ferrier referenced the downfall of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, which was driven by sustained citizen protests. “As citizens, we have more power than we often realize.”
She also noted that top-down political structures tend to lag behind societal demands. “Politicians often act only when societal pressure becomes impossible to ignore. That's why it’s crucial for citizens to speak up and take action.”
Ferrier concluded her speech by calling for solidarity and cooperation at the local, national, and international levels. “The climate crisis forces us to unite. This is a challenge we can only overcome together,” she stated. Ferrier underscored the democratic value of solidarity as essential in the fight against climate change and called for stronger networks between citizens and civil society organizations.
“We cannot leave policymaking solely in the hands of politicians. If we, the citizens, don’t act, we will lose both our democratic values and our planet. The water is rising worldwide, but especially here in the Caribbean,” Ferrier concluded.