Children uprooted in a changing climate

The climate is changing everywhere, but uprooted children and young

people – whether living in protracted displacement, refugee camps,
urban slums or bustling mega cities – are among the most exposed to its
impacts, with the least access to essential services to build resilience.

Strengthening services and systems for children and young people who

move, and ensuring safe migration is an option for children and young
people affected by climate change, is essential. After all, safe and
productive migration can be an important strategy in helping young
people adapt. It is also critical that action is taken to minimize the risk of
climate-related displacement, including by reducing global emissions
and including children and young people on the move in resilience
building efforts.

But children should not be viewed as passive bystanders in tackling

these challenges. Children and young people uprooted can also be key
agents for change. They have critical skills, experiences and ideas we
need to better mitigate and adapt to climate change and must be
partners in shaping solutions.

Read more about the impact of climate and UNICEF’s response here.