UNICEF COP29 Policy Briefing
About
Children are disproportionately impacted by climate change due to their unique physiological and developmental characteristics, and effects on their development, health and education can be lifelong and irreversible. This is particularly the case for young children, girls, and children from marginalized communities. For example, a staggering 88% of the global disease burden associated with climate change is borne by children under the age of five. At the same time, investment in protecting child development outcomes is cost-effective and strengthens the resilience of communities and societies more broadly.
The outcome of the first Global Stocktake requested the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) to hold an expert dialogue on children and climate change at its 60th session to discuss the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children and relevant policy solutions, engaging relevant United Nations entities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations (Decision 1/CMA.5, para. 182).
Based on entry points identified during the Expert Dialogue, this briefing narrows in on recommendations for integrating effective responses to children’s specific needs in key outcomes for COP29, and in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0, and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) due in 2025.
You can also link to and share a Child-Friendly version in the box to the right, as well as briefs in multiple languages.
