Climate crisis and the environment

The climate crisis is a child rights crisis.

Children are not mere bystanders of the world’s inaction on climate change; they live the consequences of it every day. Climate-induced emergencies force children from their homes, exposing them to abuse, trafficking and exploitation. Irregular and extreme weather patterns wreak havoc on crop production, increasing food scarcity and threatening children’s health and nutrition. Polluted air and water jeopardize children’s health. Environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity put their homes, schools, sanitation, health, food and water supplies at risk. As climate change increases the risk of drought, flood and mosquitos, children are more likely to succumb to vector- and water-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and cholera.

Despite the unique vulnerabilities they face, children have been ignored in the global response to climate change. Their experiences and ideas for safer, more sustainable societies have little formal voice in climate policy and decisions.

UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti puts children and young people at the centre of its research and foresight analysis about the climate crisis. Our work shows how loss and damage caused by the climate crisis is one of the greatest intergenerational injustices that children face today. In seeking dynamic solutions – both for and with children and young people – UNICEF Innocenti provides recommendations that give actionable and measurable results with a distinct focus on child rights.