Climate Change
Table of contents
Climate change is one of the issues children and young people have asked us keep visible in our work. They have told us they are worried about pollution, nature loss, the future of the planet and whether adults in power are doing enough. Climate change affects children’s rights now and in the future, including their rights to health, education, play, safe homes, food, water and a decent standard of living.
The UNCRC says every child has the right to life and development, to the best possible health, to education, to play, and to have their views heard in decisions that affect them. Children also have the right to grow up in a clean and healthy environment.
Children and young people are already taking action in their schools and communities, but responsibility for tackling climate change sits with adults and decision-makers. We continue to contribute children’s rights analysis to key legislative changes, and focus on whether governments and public bodies are listening to children’s views to protect, respect and fulfil their rights.
Our work on climate change
What children and young people told us?
28% (just over 1 in 4) told us that climate change will be the single biggest concern for children and young people in the future.
And if they were Commissioner for the day, children and young people told us they would work to:
Help people learn about climate change
Speak to children and young people to find out their ideas to tackle it
Save the planet, tackle global warming, reduce plastic waste and plant more trees
What young people said…
“I worry about climate change and how everyone says to do something but they don’t let us.”
“At this point what can we do – the governments are not doing what they need to.”
” I have almost just accepted that climate change is happening and I can’t do anything”
“Climate change is really important. It’s pointless working on everything else if the planet is not going to be liveable.”
More than 15,000 children also joined our online Climate Rights Assembly, where they explored how climate change affects their human rights and heard about children taking action across Scotland.
More climate change news
What does the UNCRC say?
The UNCRC says every child has the right to live, grow and develop in a safe and healthy environment. Climate change affects children’s rights because it can impact their health, homes, safety, play and future.
Children and young people should be listened to, given clear information, and supported to take part in climate decisions. Governments must act to protect children’s rights from the impacts of climate change now and in the future.