The health of people is more important than the profits of large companies. Therefore, the right to a healthy living environment must be enshrined in our constitution, believes GroenLinks-PvdA. Additionally, the largest political movement in the Netherlands presents five concrete proposals to make the living environment healthier.

Frans Timmermans: “Swimming in the river, picking blackberries along the road, and eating eggs from a hobby farmer. Our environment is so polluted that it is not always possible anymore. That must change. We want to tackle large polluters who prioritize making more money over the health of local residents. A healthy living environment should be completely normal. Therefore, we want to add a healthy living environment to the constitution.”

Fundamental Right Strengthens Citizens Position

Other European countries like Spain, Norway, and Belgium have already enshrined the right to a healthy living environment in their constitutions. Besides being an important signal, it strengthens the position of residents. In Spain, a ban was imposed on the construction of new mega farms to put an end to severe pollution of air, soil, and water. Recently, in France, a plan to allow new pesticides was scrapped. In Belgium, a lawsuit was won regarding the remediation of contaminated soil around 3M, the Belgian Chemours.

Five Concrete Proposals

Amending the constitution is a process that can take years. In the short term, GroenLinks-PvdA is making five proposals to make the living environment healthier. 

  • There must be an end to the use of PFAS as soon as possible. For Chemours, this means that no more PFAS may be discharged.
  • A ban on the harmful agricultural pesticide glyphosate will be introduced.
  • The number of flights from Schiphol will decrease, and night flights will stop. There will also be significant investments in international train connections.
  • Mega farms will be closed to quickly transition to sustainable agriculture.
  • Inspections will receive more funding and personnel to take action against polluters.
Read the full plan here