What happens to us when we are children, particularly when we are very small (the so-called 1,000 day window from conception to the age of two is a crucial time) has a huge impact on the future trajectory of our lives.
Climate change is having an outsized effect on children all over the globe. Yet children have little to no power to influence the powerful individuals, companies and organizations that are responsible for decisions that drive greenhouse gas emissions and prevent policy change that could make a better world for everyone.
Anjum Sultana, director of youth leadership and policy advocacy at Plan International Canada, and a member of a global coalition dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls writes that:
“Children will experience the intensifying effects of the climate crisis over the course of their lifetime. Climate interventions can’t leave them out of decisions about their own futures. Climate financing institutions must acknowledge their pivotal role in setting the agenda, catalyzing investments and co-ordinating efforts with other public and private finance entities. Children cannot be relegated to the status of passive victims; their needs, perspectives and active involvement must be placed at the heart of the decision-making processes. As we redirect funding to cover the losses and damage wrought by climate change, a resolute focus on safeguarding the well-being of children and fortifying the critical social services that support them is needed.”
We have seen young people, such as Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate, move to the forefront in the climate struggle but much like the grownup call to action, for us to succeed against this massive challenge we must make a place for every person on planet earth - no matter their age or circumstances - to have a voice in what happens to them and their community in regards to climate change.