CONSERVATIVE CLIMATE POLITICS?

At first glance, climate politics does not seem to be within the DNA of conservative parties. Yet, the Christen-Democratisch Appèl (CDA) tasked my interdisciplinary and international Radboud University think tank to find out ways to include this societally pressing topic in their policies and party identity. A summary of the report can be found below.

Our report examines how the CDA can develop a clear, distinctive, and credible climate change policy that aligns with its Christian democratic values. Based on literature research and interviews with CDA politicians, youth members, EU policymakers, and academics, the report identifies internal communication issues, ideological tensions, and strategic opportunities that currently prevent the CDA from occupying a meaningful position in the climate debate.

A central finding is that the CDA lacks a robust internal debate on climate policy. Views differ widely across local, regional, and national levels—from enthusiasm for strong climate action to hesitancy about regulatory intervention. However, there is no structured platform for these perspectives to interact. This absence of internal discourse leads to an unclear external message, perceptions of “greenwashing,” and difficulty presenting a unified stance. The report recommends creating an internal communication platform, discussion forums, and thematic workgroups to stimulate ideological dialogue and consensus-building.

The report argues that the CDA’s core values—stewardship, solidarity, and shared responsibility—naturally support climate action. Stewardship in particular provides a strong ethical justification for environmental protection. However, another Christian democratic principle, subsidiarity (minimal state intervention), appears to complicate climate policy, since effective climate mitigation requires strong governmental leadership. The authors emphasize that subsidiarity does not justify inaction: climate change is too large-scale for society alone to solve, and government must set the direction.

The analysis highlights opportunities for the CDA to take a unique centrist position in Dutch climate politics. The CDA traditionally prioritizes economic stability and a social market economy, which makes it hesitant about measures that might harm industry or farmers. Yet this combination of economic focus and pragmatic compromise positions the party as a potential mediator between liberal and green parties. By promoting sustainable economic growth, market-based climate instruments, and industry collaboration, the CDA can craft a climate strategy distinct from the left-leaning interventionist approach of parties like GroenLinks and the climate-skeptic stance of parties like PVV and FvD.

The report also explores voter dynamics, noting that CDA’s traditional base—older, more rural, and sometimes farming communities—is shrinking due to secularisation and societal change. Younger generations, meanwhile, prioritize climate action and express willingness to vote accordingly. By adopting a credible and forward-looking climate policy, the CDA could attract young voters without necessarily alienating farmers, especially if farmers are included in the transition through sustainable agriculture initiatives and support programs.

Ultimately, the report concludes that the CDA has both an ideological foundation and a strategic opportunity to craft a compelling climate change narrative. To achieve this, the party must initiate open internal debate, integrate core values into a forward-looking climate vision, and proactively shape policy rather than reacting to external pressures like the EU Green Deal or the Urgenda ruling. By doing so, the CDA can strengthen its identity, appeal to new voters, and guide a just, sustainable transition within the Netherlands.

The complete policy advice can be found in Radboud University's educational repository.

© Luka Paul Vethake, 2020