Are you a student, recent graduate, PhD candidate, young professional, or socially engaged young adult (aged 16–32) with a fresh perspective on democracy and climate? Then this is your chance to share your ideas with the world!
Image: © Jonge Klimaatbeweging
Essay competition
The Scientific Climate Council (WKR) and the Council for Public Administration (ROB) invite young thinkers to take part in an essay competition. The best submissions will be published in a collection of essays for policymakers, academics, and experts, and will be published by Amsterdam University Press in 2026.
About the essays
The planet is warming, the climate is changing, and we are falling behind on our climate goals. At the same time, democracy itself is under pressure. Two urgent challenges converge: how to address the climate crisis while strengthening democracy? How do we keep a cool head?
The Netherlands has set ambitious climate targets: by 2030, emissions must be reduced by 55 percent. Yet this goal is increasingly slipping out of reach. While some demand more decisive action, others argue for a slower pace. From angry farmers and concerned citizens to climate activists. As a result, democracy, a system for handling conflicting views and interests, is coming under significant pressure.
Another visible trend is that the climate debate is moving into the courtroom. Since the Urgenda case in 2013, climate litigation has proliferated worldwide. But how effective are such rulings in practice, and what do they reveal about the balance of powers within a democratic system?
Addressing the climate challenge is also a matter of governance, requiring coordination across multiple levels of government. How can we ensure that long-term policies are maintained and that climate measures remain effective?
These examples showcase how closely climate and democracy are intertwined, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. This raises fundamental questions: Can our government rise to the climate challenge? And how can democracy and climate policy strengthen each other?
To explore this, the WKR and ROB are eager to hear young people’s perspectives and are looking for innovative approaches. Join the debate and contribute to this important topic by sharing your ideas, ranging from citizens’ assemblies and climate activism to generational impact assessments and practical solutions.
Why participate?
- Your essay could be published in a high-profile scientific collection, aimed at policymakers.
- You will have the chance to present your ideas to policymakers, academics, and journalists.
- You will gain experience writing for the public debate.
- You contribute to a societal debate and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact with your ideas.
What are we looking for?
- An essay of 1,500 words (+/-10%), in Dutch, written by one, two, or three authors.
- A sharp analysis or innovative perspective on the theme of democracy and climate.
Join us!
Do you have an idea you would like to develop? If so, submit your essay by 12:00 PM on 12 January 2026 via infowkr@wkr.nl, stating your name, age, and field of study/profession.
Still unsure about your participation or topic, or do you have a question? Feel free to contact Lotte Verhaar via lotte.verhaar@wkr.nl.