Empowering Future Generations: The Role of Children and Youth in IPCC Assessment Reports (AR1-AR6) – A Nature Communications Insight

The latest IPCC report highlights a significant shift in how children and youth are represented in climate discussions. Between 1990 and 2022, mentions of children increased dramatically, especially in the most recent report (AR6), which more than doubled references to youth. Specifically, children were referenced 242 times, while youth were mentioned 89 times, accounting for 331 total references.

Most of these references come from discussions around climate risks and solutions. About 66% (217 references) focus on climate risks to children and youth, with health issues and malnutrition being significant concerns. For instance, many children are now facing heightened health risks due to climate change, including respiratory illnesses and malnutrition linked to poor water and sanitation. Health experts emphasize that the impact of extreme weather, such as heat stress, can disproportionately affect younger populations.

Interestingly, the report underscores that while children face numerous risks, youth are often mentioned concerning solutions and responses. For instance, youth are increasingly involved in climate activism, pushing for change and voicing their concerns through movements like the School Strikes for Climate. Recent surveys indicate that this activism has gained traction on social media platforms, with hashtags related to climate action trending globally.

What’s more, the IPCC report reveals that around 67% of the responses citing children and youth highlight co-benefits to their well-being, such as enhanced health and greater community involvement. The majority of discussions on policy and planning emphasize the need for active participation from youth, showcasing their essential role in climate governance.

Social media has played a pivotal role in amplifying youth voices. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have been flooded with messages about climate justice, highlighting the fears and hopes of the younger generation. This trend indicates a growing awareness among them about their future and the importance of advocacy. In fact, recent statistics show that posts related to climate action have increased by 40% over the past year, demonstrating a strong online presence of youth mobilizing for change.

Looking back, previous reports seldom included children and youth, which makes this shift even more striking. The change reflects a broader recognition of how climate change impacts these groups and the need for their inclusion in discussions about solutions.

This new emphasis may well shift future policies and approaches to climate change, as children and youth become recognized as key stakeholders in both the problem and the solutions. Their involvement and perspectives can foster more innovative and effective climate actions that take into account the specific vulnerabilities they face.

In summary, the increasing references to children and youth in the IPCC reports indicate a growing recognition of their role in addressing climate change. With rising risks and a surge in advocacy, these younger generations are poised to be at the forefront of climate conversations, influencing future policies and actions.

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Climate-change mitigation,Environmental health,Governance,Science,Humanities and Social Sciences,multidisciplinary