Abstract
The Australian National University (ANU) Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster
Solutions (ICEDS) welcomes the opportunity to provide input into the First Expert
Dialogue on Children and Climate Change.
This submission is divided into two parts. Part 1 explores the moral, legal and human
rights imperative for intergenerational justice in international and State decisionmaking by drawing on relevant human rights frameworks and norms. The submission
establishes the duty of States to protect children from the adverse effects of climate
change.
It also describes the unique vulnerabilities to climate change experienced by children,
both directly and indirectly, and the role of marginalisation in exacerbating these
vulnerabilities. The submission explores the relationship between children, their
physiology, their reliance on adult caregivers and the changing climate. It is
established that the health and wellbeing of children and future generations stands to
be significantly compromised due to climate change.
Part 2 explores options for policy solutions that preserve the rights of children to a
clean, healthy and sustainable environment. While it is established that any wellconsidered climate action will have positive impacts on children and future
generations, specific areas of policy reform are explored, including embedding
intergenerational justice in domestic law and educational initiatives aimed at
empowering children and their educators to collaboratively address climate
challenges.
Ultimately, the submission concludes that addressing climate change requires urgent
and concerted action on a global scale, with failure to act decisively risking worsening
existing inequalities and depriving children and future generations of fundamental
rights
Solutions (ICEDS) welcomes the opportunity to provide input into the First Expert
Dialogue on Children and Climate Change.
This submission is divided into two parts. Part 1 explores the moral, legal and human
rights imperative for intergenerational justice in international and State decisionmaking by drawing on relevant human rights frameworks and norms. The submission
establishes the duty of States to protect children from the adverse effects of climate
change.
It also describes the unique vulnerabilities to climate change experienced by children,
both directly and indirectly, and the role of marginalisation in exacerbating these
vulnerabilities. The submission explores the relationship between children, their
physiology, their reliance on adult caregivers and the changing climate. It is
established that the health and wellbeing of children and future generations stands to
be significantly compromised due to climate change.
Part 2 explores options for policy solutions that preserve the rights of children to a
clean, healthy and sustainable environment. While it is established that any wellconsidered climate action will have positive impacts on children and future
generations, specific areas of policy reform are explored, including embedding
intergenerational justice in domestic law and educational initiatives aimed at
empowering children and their educators to collaboratively address climate
challenges.
Ultimately, the submission concludes that addressing climate change requires urgent
and concerted action on a global scale, with failure to act decisively risking worsening
existing inequalities and depriving children and future generations of fundamental
rights
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ANU Climate Change Institute |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 May 2024 |