How are climate change and children’s rights connected?

Children’s ability to achieve and exercise their rights can be disrupted by changes in their natural environment caused by climate change. Their rights to clean water, nutritious food, access to school and good health can be affected by climate change. This guide has been created to support secondary school educators in their efforts to work with youth to take action on climate change. UNICEF Canada collaborated with GreenLearning and Canadian teachers to update and adapt this resource for children.

Guide for students: Climate Change, Children and Youth: Local Connections to Global Issues (Grades 9-12)

Download the climate change guide for students »

Through the thought-provoking activities in this guide, students will have the opportunity to nurture their compassion and discover how climate change is affecting children around the world, especially children and communities in vulnerable countries and emerging economies. The activities will support your students in their efforts to affect meaningful and lasting change and inspire them to take action at a local level.

For your ease, we have broken the guide into individual guides by theme.

What is UNICEF Canada doing to save the lives of children affected by climate change?

UNICEF works with global partners to ensure that children and youth are priorities in international policies on environmental sustainability and climate change. UNICEF supports the vital role of children and youth in creating environmental and climate solutions. UNICEF also mobilizes governments and the private sector to strengthen their environmental sustainability practices to improve the lives of children on the frontlines of climate change and environmental degradation.

Read more about what UNICEF Canada is doing to save the lives of children affected by climate change.