DWARSe swimming bands for ministers

This morning, DWARS, the youth wing of GroenLinks, handed out swimming bands at the council of ministers. Among others, ministers Schultz van Haegen, Hennis-Plasschaert and Schippers received the bands. With the action, the young people want to call on government members to take more ambitious climate action. "If the cabinet does not take more measures, it will soon be too late. Hopefully the bathing straps will remind the cabinet that dry feet are not to be taken for granted," says chairman Lyle Muns.

DWARS is taking the action in light of the Paris climate summit. In December, all world leaders will meet there to make agreements in the fight against climate change. The youth organisation believes the government's commitment could be better. "Just when China and the US take important steps forward, this cabinet fails to meet its own energy targets and appeals against Urgenda's climate case. That while the Netherlands should play a pioneering role in Paris," Muns explained.

After commenting on the government's asphalt policy, minister Schultz van Haegen indicated that cars in themselves are not bad as long as they are greener. Dijsselbloem, with a wink, only accepted the accompanying text because plastic swimming tires are bad for the environment. "If he includes the same care in his policy, we will be very happy," Muns concluded.

Not only more climate action, extra attention to the climate summit is also needed, according to DWARS. That is why it is sending a delegation to Paris and walking along with the big climate parade in Amsterdam next Saturday.