Children as agents of change for a sustainable future

As the global climate crisis continues to become a pressing environmental issue, children’s health is put in danger as they are exposed to environmental hazards that come with it. According to the UN Environment Programme, the most vulnerable group to suffer from the effects of climate change is none other than the youth. This is because of several factors concerning their physiological, developmental, behavioral, and social state. 

The climate crisis greatly affects the health and learning development of children all over the world. In East and Southern Africa, an estimated 16 million children do not have access to enough food because of drought and the loss of financial resources caused by climate change. Moreover, the climate shocks disrupted the education of more than 3 million children in Somalia, hindering their opportunities to learn and develop. 

In the Philippines, UNICEF reported that millions of Filipino children are exposed to coastal floods and tropical cyclones, threatening their health and education. UNICEF Philippines representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov stated that it is a must to invest in services such as water, healthcare, and education to protect the future of these children against the impact of climate change.

The research released by Save the Children and the Vrije Univeriteit Brussels (VUB) revealed that children who were born in 2020 are to suffer more from heatwaves, floods, drought, and wildfires. Save the Children reported that by 2050, an estimated 24 million children may suffer from malnourishment and 143 million more families may be forced to migrate as a result of the climate crisis. 

Children are to bear the consequences of climate change within their lifetime. Simultaneously, it is them who hold the key to a sustainable future. As noted by the UN sustainable development goals, they are the critical agents of change who are necessary to create a better world. 

According to studies, children have the potential to become agents of change because of their resiliency and ability to adapt to new conditions. Hence, it is important to further develop their connection with nature and teach them ways to protect the environment.