Climate Justice and the Rights of the Child: Including Children in Environmental Decision-Making

Abstract

Climate change is the world’s most pressing problem, with potential impacts on human rights, public health, and socio-economic well-being. Children are particularly affected, as they are physically vulnerable, have developing bodies and minds, and rely on environmental and social systems for support. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, insecurity of food and water, pollution, and displacement put children’s rights to life, health, education, and protection at risk, as described in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). And yet, children are too often left out of climate policy and environmental governance despite being among the worst-affected. This article explores the convergence of climate justice and child rights, focusing on the need to consider children not just as a susceptible population but also as potential change agents. Focusing on international legal instruments and on youth-led climate campaigns on the international stage and climate-related child advocacy, the article demonstrates the increasing prominence of children as actors in environmental governance. The article outlines major obstacles to substantive participation and suggests approaches for the institutionalisation of child participation through rights-based governance, educational reforms, community development, and policy innovations. To ensure that climate action is fair, sustainable, and forward-looking, it is critical to have a voice for the children in these climate decisions.