Thankfully for the future and our global security children are increasingly being brought into the fight against climate change. Earlier this month, on 14 November, The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) enlisted the help of North American youth to help tackle climate change at a summit in Chicago. The educational campaign, "Kick the Carbon Habit", which was launched at the event, involved 20 youth representatives, from the US and Canada.
Also this month in China, children across the country are taking part in a UNEP painting competition. Children are encouraged to paint scenes which show the challenges we face as a global community to combat climate change. Art has continued to be a powerful tool in recent years in bringing awareness to the issue as seen, by Oxfam's Climate Change Through Children's Eyes art exhibit at the December 2007 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia, shows a the profound effect that climate change is having on children.
UNICEF's 2007 report Climate Change and Children shows how climate change goes beyond being an environmental issue, and how it affects human rights and the welfare of children across the globe. The report not only focuses on the risks of climate change to children, but also allows children a voice in the debate and how it will impact their future.
"I can buy less things, buy a reusable bag so that I don't get plastic and paper bags from the shops. Recycle if possible! Switch off lights and those that are not being used! And buy things in a large container , instead of buying six small cans of milk, we can buy a big one." – Darkme, age 14, Oman
Climate change affects the welfare of children in every aspect, as it impacts the levels of poverty, disease, education…climate change affects the future sustainability of all children, of our future. As a global community we have taken one major step forward in the fight against climate change and environmental insecurity by involving our children, our future leaders in the long battle ahead.
Please also see my children's book list here, which contains a number of environmentally themed books for kids. In addition you can find other Children's Global Warming and Climate Change posts here.
For other education resources for children please note the following resource sites; Global Warming Education, Practical Action – Climate Choices.
