#ClimateJusticeThursday: Upholding the interests of children in the climate crisis

children - climateaction

#ClimateJusticeThursday: Upholding the interests of children in the climate crisis

Hello readers.

Welcome to #ClimateJusticeThursday on CleanbuildVoices!

Around the world, extreme weather conditions are putting the lives of millions of children in danger, posing a great threat to their survival, learning, and protection.

Without addressing the crisis directly, children, especially those in the most vulnerable regions in the world, will bear a greater part of the consequences.

That is why children all over the world have been championing climate change conversations and mobilizing for climate justice in their respective communities.

These children have been mounting pressure on the government to protect the planet and their future. However, they have been sidelined by adults and by extension, the government who do not see them as agents of their own human rights.

You see, children’s rights are largely ignored by political leaders across the globe. There are instances when they had organized strikes and marched on the streets to draw attention to the changing climate and how it affects them but met resistance and mockery in return.

This is unfair on them because they, just like everybody else, are experiencing the effects of climate change and are changing their lifestyles to cope with it but a greater duty lies on the government to ensure they inherit a world where their future is not only safe but guaranteed.

Ensuring the safety of children that are greatly affected by climate change especially in indigenous communities, should be a top priority for states and the federal government of such communities.

As people are becoming more aware that the climate crisis is aggravating the injustice towards children, it then becomes necessary for governments to view them as equal stakeholders in the crisis and protect their human rights as well.

It shouldn’t end at recognizing them as stakeholders. They also have rights that must be protected.

Also, the fact that they are children doesn’t mean they are oblivious of the crisis. They should be respected in their own rights and be able to participate in decisions concerning climate policy and their best interests.

Climate change is more than an ecological problem, it affects the lives of all people, and especially children. It is time to recognize the serious effects of climate change, and pressure governments as well as individuals to enact policies that are all-inclusive.

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