UNICEF COP30 Policy Briefing
About
Children represent one-third of the global population and account for half of all people living in extreme poverty – a key driver of heightened vulnerability. Children are also disproportionately impacted by climate change due to their unique physiological and developmental characteristics that set them apart from adults. Effects on their development, health, and education can be lifelong and irreversible. This is particularly the case for young children, girls, and children in marginalized communities. For example, a significant proportion of the global disease burden associated with climate change is borne by children under the age of five. Yet children remain largely overlooked in climate policies, action, and finance.
This brief identifies entry points for Parties to integrate responses to children’s specific needs in key outcomes at COP30, and in NDCs 3.0 and NAPs due in 2025.
The translated version of the brief can be found in French, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese.
