Making climate and environment policies for and with children and young people

This discussion paper showcases study findings from an analysis of new and updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) on child sensitivity. The climate crisis is a child rights crisis. It is a direct threat to a child’s ability to survive, grow and thrive.

The study shows that while substantive progress is being made in addressing rights of children and young people threatened by environmental degradation and climate change, multiple opportunities remain for advancing child-sensitive policies. The following guidance provides ideas for action.

1. Empower children and young people in climate processes
2. Build government and whole-of-society capacities for inclusive climate action
3. Incorporate child-sensitive sectoral interventions in climate policy processes
4. Strengthen and support the implementation of child-sensitive climate actions
5. Support child-sensitive data generation and modelling