Early childhood development and climate change
Prioritising the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for all children
This First Years, First Priority campaign scoping paper examines the right of all children to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a fundamental right, and underscores the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on very young children, who are often invisible in policy and decision-making processes. It attempts to gather available information on some of the current and future implications of climate change for very young children. It also underscores the importance of including young children and their families and caregivers in policies, programmes and initiatives to prevent, respond and adapt to the climate crisis. The paper draws on existing research and analysis in this area, worldwide.