The Hague Climate Justice Community

In the lead-up to the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels (TAFF), a pre-consultation was held at The Hague Humanity Hub on April 14 to center justice, equity, and international solidarity within this agenda. The event brought together a diverse group of participants from civil society, science, politics, and youth groups, to explore how the ambition to phase-out fossil fuels can be translated into practical, just, and inclusive pathways.

What began in the 1970s as a protest movement against the fossil fuel industry in the United States has grown into a global moment of reflection and mobilisation: Earth Day. Under this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” the message is clear. Climate action is urgent and collective. But what does that collective responsibility look like in practice? We spoke with three actors working at the intersection of climate and justice: Daan Zieren and Cléo Dorel-Watson from the Dutch Youth Climate Movement, and Paulien Boone, founder of Buying Back the Planet. Their work spans national policy, international negotiations, and community-based land stewardship. Together, they show how climate action takes shape across systems, and why justice must remain central.

On December 15th, the participants of Ready to Explore gathered one last time. Three months ago, this journey began with a room full of questions: How do I contribute? Where do I fit in? How can I act to make the world more climate just?

From systemic injustice to mental health and intergenerational responsibility, it’s evident that the climate clock is ticking. At the Hague Talks, different perspectives on just climate actions came together at the Peace Palace, the place where an historic ruling on climate change was made this year.

On the morning of the 10th of December, a diverse group of residents, local representatives, the Municipality of The Hague, Dururzaam Den Haag and The Hague Humanity Hub gathered for a community breakfast to investigate how to build a climate-just city together. The answer? The announcement of the Hague Lab for Climate Justice.

Social entrepreneur Alex Gunkel shares insights into establishing a successful mission-driven startup, harnessing technology as a tool for good, and the future of entrepreneurship.

Climate advocate and lawyer Jule Schnakenberg shared insights into the future of climate justice, the power of youth in global grassroots movements, and the ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate change.

In this special edition of The Handshake, sustainable water and climate governance expert Jacob Baraza shared insights into the future of the climate justice sector, and the role of local communities and human-centric initiatives in climate projects.

A youth-led campaign brought climate justice to the highest court — and won.