"In a landmark decision for the world’s children, negotiators at COP28 agreed to convene a dialogue in 2024 to discuss the climate crisis’s disproportionate impacts on children and to review relevant policy solutions."
This statement was originally published on home.crin.org on 21 December 2023.
CRIN welcomes positive progress in terms of recognition that children’s rights are not just impacted by climate breakdown, but that they should be part of the solutions. But a continued failure to take the action required to stem the source of the crisis – fossil fuels – will continue to undermine children’s rights and future wellbeing. Read below the statement from the Children’s Rights Climate Movement, which CRIN is a part of, on the COP28 outcomes.
In a landmark decision for the world’s children, negotiators at COP28 agreed to convene a dialogue in 2024 to discuss the climate crisis’ disproportionate impacts on children and to review relevant policy solutions. For the first time in almost thirty years, a formal space in the UNFCCC will integrate consideration of children’s vulnerability and wellbeing. This is a major step forward, made possible by a group of allied countries who spoke up for children and championed them at COP28.
Children, who represent one-third of the global population, are uniquely affected by the devastating consequences of climate change. Worsening climate hazards like floods and droughts are making it even more difficult for children to fully access their rights. As it stands, 1 in 4 deaths of children under five can be attributed to unhealthy environments. The challenges faced by children because of a changing climate also impact their long-term development, with a particularly acute impact on children who already experience discrimination and inequality.
COP28 acknowledged the importance of children’s meaningful participation in creating sustainable and just solutions to the climate crisis, and encouraged governments to implement climate policy and action that empowers youth and children. The new Global Goal on Adaptation framework also encourages governments to take children into account, and to ensure intergenerational equity and social justice, when pursuing adaptation targets and integrating them into policy.
However, the best we can do for children is to accelerate emissions reduction and keep the planet on a trajectory compatible with less than 1.5C of global temperature warming. The COP28 outcome failed to agree on an equitable, fast and fully funded phase out of fossil fuels – though it recognised that transitioning away from fossil fuels in the energy sector is the pathway countries must trail. The language adopted on fossil fuels is the bare minimum and we must close the loopholes that could allow this ‘transition away’ to be exploited by fossil fuel companies and governments. Urgent mitigation action continues to be crucial to prevent children from facing increasing and devastating climate impacts.
Historic progress on loss and damage, with a Fund made operational and accompanying pledges, was tempered by the overall failure to deliver scaled-up climate finance. The COP28 outcome also left important loopholes, which must be addressed to ensure that climate mitigation and adaptation measures, particularly through unproven technologies, do not negatively impact biodiversity or the ocean, which could ultimately harm children’s human right to a healthy environment.
Importantly, children and young people are increasingly making themselves heard in the climate talks. Video of children’s messages to negotiators and attendees echoed in COP28 halls, negotiating rooms and also at the ceiling of the Wasl Plaza dome, the plaza at the center of the venue. The Children and Youth pavilion continued to provide a critical and vibrant space for child and young advocates to lead their own agenda.
The decision to create a permanent Youth Climate Champion role creates another important entry point to facilitate the meaningful engagement of children and youth in climate action and at future talks. Yet we know there is much more to be done to meaningfully include children and youth in climate policy. The newly operationalised Loss and Damage Fund must make climate finance more inclusive with a community funding window to provide grants directly to children and their families. Its portfolio and financing decisions must take into account children’s views and be informed by child rights from the outset.
We call on all governments to seize the opportunity created with the upcoming expert dialogue to ensure children are at the heart of their climate plans, policies and investments. And they must take the urgent action needed to stem the source of the crisis – fossil fuels – and uphold their obligations on children’s rights and future well-being.
“Children are not just victims, but also active contributors as agents of change. We have seen children stand up around the world and push for solutions. They have the right to participate in decisions. We hope that the next edition of COP includes children, their desires and needs as a priority.”
Leticia Carvalho Silva, lawyer and international advisor at Alana
“Children, and especially girls and young children, are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. Climate action must respond to our needs. We have a right to be involved in the decisions that impact us. I support the COP28 request to the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, at its sixtieth session, to hold an expert dialogue on children and climate change to discuss the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children and on relevant policy solutions in this regard, engaging relevant United Nations entities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations in this effort. It is critical that this expert dialogue goes ahead.”
Farrah, Plan International COP28 Youth Delegate from Jordan
“Our ideas, our voices are very important, so please consult us. Children with disabilities must be included in the discussions about climate change. We are more vulnerable to the consequences of global warming, and can make strong contributions to climate solutions.”
Faith Sebwa, WCC Child Rights Programme, 12-years-old who has a hearing disability, speaking through a sign language interpreter
“After nearly three decades of global climate conferences, a historic milestone was reached at COP28: for the first time the need to move away from fossil fuels was included in the final text. While this is considered a historic victory, the “UAE Consensus” is frustrating due to its weak language and significant gaps. Despite calling for a transition, the document does not provide a clear commitment to the gradual and equitable phasing out of fossil fuels. We recognise notable achievements such as increased funds for loss and damage, but this is only a small fraction of what is needed to safeguard children’s future. While progress was made, there’s still much work ahead to address the urgency of the climate crisis, include children in climate policies and protect our shared planet. We need to achieve the total elimination of fossil fuels, secure hundreds of billions in climate financing, avoid unfair influence from lobbyists, and keep the most affected voices at the center of negotiations. The transition to a resilient future is unstoppable, but more decisive action is needed to close the gap between promises and actions.”
Juan David Amaya and Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts, Climate Advisers to Child Rights International Network (CRIN)
“Children have an internationally recognised right to be heard in decision-making fora where those decisions impact on their rights to life, survival, development, health, culture, play and a healthy environment. Children offer unique and valuable insights which can support innovative solutions in ocean-climate governance.”
Dr Mitchell Lennan, One Ocean Hub
