Empowering Young Voices: Children Leading Climate Action

Around the world children are stepping up as dynamic leaders, advocating for ambition climate action. From influencing policy at the local and global levels to taken legal actions. This section explore how youth participation is transforming climate governance through structured platforms, global movements, and innovative legal approaches.

March for Climate, Jobs and Justice - Washington DC - April, 2017

Participation Rights: Amplifying Young Voices in Climate Decision-Making

According to Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), children have the right to express their views on matters that affect them. This provision entitles them to participate in climate policies and actions in accordance with their age and maturity, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping decisions that impact their futures.

Organizations and governments are increasingly fostering spaces for youth engagement in climate discussions. Initiatives such as Youth Climate Councils (YCC) provide platforms for children and young people to engage in local, national, and international climate dialogues. These councils serve as advocacy hubs, enabling youth to influence policy development and contribute to adaptation strategies.

One notable initiative is the Youth Climate Council Global Alliance (YCCGA), a youth-led network that unites YCCs worldwide to advocate for stronger climate policies and promote collaboration between sub-national governments. To date, six national-level Youth Climate Councils and one city-based council are active. This comprehensive toolkit offers guidance for young people and policymakers on establishing Youth Climate Councils. It also highlights success stories from Denmark, Poland, the Netherlands, Ghana, Costa Rica, Uganda, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, showcasing the transformative role of youth in climate advocacy.

In addition to participation platforms, educational programs play a critical role in empowering young people with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate challenges. UNESCO´s Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development (CCESD) initiative integrates climate science, adaptation, mitigation, and sustainability in both formal and informal education systems. By embedding climate literacy into curricula, CCESD helps cultivate a generation equipped to navigate and respond to the complexities of climate change.

International Initiatives: Supporting Global Platforms for Young Changemakers

Global initiatives and collaborative platforms provide children and youth with opportunities, tools, and resources to amplify their voices and take meaningful action on climate change.

One prominent example within the global network is YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). YOUNGO plays a pivotal role in equipping young people with the skills and capacities needed to drive impactful climate actions and policies. Its representatives contribute technical and policy inputs to climate negotiations, including those held during the annual COP meetings. YOUNGO´s work has enabled youth to co-develop action plans, such as contribution to National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), ensuring young voices are represented in climate governance.

Another influential global youth network is Fridays for Future (FFF), a movement founded by Greta Thunberg that seeks to create political momentum and societal pressure for systemic change. FFF focuses on climate justice and advocates for urgent policy reforms through peaceful protests and climate strikes. With a presence in over 150 countries and active chapter in more than 7,500 cities and towns, FFF has become a powerful force in the climate movement. In 2019, it achieved mass mobilization during some of the largest climate strikes in history, inspiring countless young activist to engage in climate advocate and take decisive action.

Legal Action: Empowering Children to Hold Leaders Accountable

Legal action has become a powerful tool for children demanding accountability in the fight against climate change. Landmark cases demonstrate how youth have taken legal steps against government and corporations for insufficient climate action.

One of the most prominent cases at the international level is Juliana v. United States. This case, brought by 21 young plaintiffs against the U.S government, argued that their constitutional rights to stable climate were being violated. Although the case was dismissed in 2020, it inspired numerous other youth-led climate lawsuits and brought significant attention to the intersection of constitutional rights and climate change. Similarly, in Dejusticia v. Colombia Government, Colombia´s Supreme Court ruled in favor of 25 young plaintiffs, aged 7 to 26. The court recognized the Amazon rainforest as a legal entity with rights to protection, conservation, and reforestation, marking a significant milestone in environmental jurisprudence.

Organizations supporting these legal efforts play a critical role by offering legal aid to children and youth seeking climate justice or by advocating for education on environmental law. For instance, Our Children’s Trust (OCT) provides legal representation and support to youth involved in climate litigation, including the 21 plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States. Similarly, EarthRights International combines legal advocacy, litigation, and education to defend human rights, supporting youth and communities affected by environmental degradation and climate change.

These examples illustrate how legal pathways empower children to hold entities accountable, bridging the gap between advocacy and tangible policy changes.