The climate crisis is changing the world as we know it, with grave implications for the rights of children now and future generations of children.
Our latest research has revealed that the millions of children born in the last year will face on average 2-7 times more extreme weather events than their grandparents – that means more heatwaves, flooding, droughts, crop failures and wildfires. This puts children’s rights to a safe home, healthy environment, healthcare, food and learning are at risk.
If we take ambitious and urgent action now to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, children born in the last year will be significantly less exposed to extreme weather events over their lifetime.
There is overwhelming scientific evidence that the window to act on climate change is quickly closing. COP26 represents one of the final opportunities to get the climate emergency under control and stabilise increasing temperatures to below 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. It will either be defined by its ambition for drastic climate action, or by its failure to secure a safe future for our planet.
We must act now to secure children’s rights.
Around the world, children are taking bold action to stand up for their rights and for the climate. They have organised climate strikes, school strikes, petitions, and campaigns to demand action from their governments.
“I am requesting that the leaders and decision-makers please listen to us and give additional importance to our voice. We promise you to become part of the solution,” says 16-year-old Diya* from Bangladesh
In Save the Children’s latest report ‘Born into the climate crisis: why we must act now to secure children’s rights’ twelve children aged 12 to 17 years old from across the world, share how the climate crisis is infringing on children’s rights to a safe home, healthy environment, healthcare, food and learning. We thank these children – and all child advocates for climate action – for their thoughtful recommendations and continued commitment to defending the rights of children in the face of a climate crisis.
It is essential that adults give children a seat at the table and listen to their innovative solutions on tackling the climate crisis. Read more about this in our policy paper, ‘A COP fit for Children’.
Children have contributed the least to the climate crisis but will pay the highest price. We must stand with children demanding climate action. Support our mission.
Urgent action can make a huge difference in protecting children’s rights now and in the future from the climate crisis. Here are Save the Children’s key recommendations:
Help us protect the rights of children now and in the future by donating today.
Read the Born into the Climate Crisis report