Part I: Their lives, Their story

Climate change and Children: From front line vulnerability to front line engagement

“Hi, I am Abeba. Nice to meet you. I am 11 years old and I live in a very small rural town in Ethiopia with my parents and 4 younger siblings, and I am the eldest child in my house. Last year, a heavy drought hit my community and my family lost all our incomes as all of our livestock died and our farming land is now unproductive. This has forced my family to migrate to the neighbouring city to live in the IDP centre.

As a result, I was forced to quit my school and engage in labour work for just a little money to support my family. It is also my responsibility to take care of my siblings, and I am always tired because of this.

— Story of Abeba

My dad has also left the town to find work to support us and it has been months since we heard news from him. My mum is also doing her best by finding extra jobs to put food on the table. I am always sad that I am not going to school anymore like kids my age. I wanted to be a teacher and I feel like my dream was taken away from me due to the reasons I didn’t cause. Though I am just a child, I have no one to take care of me and my well-being. I don’t know how long I will have to live in this harsh environment, where I can’t even get a good sleep because of the mosquitoes and temperature. If given the chance, I would like to end the drought, return home with my family, continue my education, achieve my dreams, and support other kids. But it feels like no one cares about us and that we have been forgotten! Where are the adults and leaders?!”

_{Image: Comic created for Terre des Hommes NL to demonstrate how climate change impacts children.}

Who do you think is most affected by climate change?

Not every community is affected by climate change equally. Some groups are more vulnerable and exposed to climate impacts, and children often bear the greatest burden, with girls being affected the most.  

A literature review conducted by Terre des Hommes NL in 2023 on Climate Change and Child Exploitation highlights the pathways to child exploitation. This review demonstrates how climate change induces loss of livelihoods, unsafe migration, family separation and conflict. These factors contribute to serious consequences, including the loss of protective environments, increased vulnerability, child trafficking, child marriage, sexual exploitation, and the worst forms of child labour.

From reports, pictures and personal experiences, we see and understand that climate change leads to disasters such as floods and droughts, which disrupts healthcare, education, food security and safety. From protection, to education, to inequality; children bear the brunt effect of these challenges. Beyond the cover, it is difficult for one to understand the internal thoughts and understanding of these children. And we can only learn this if and only if these children are open to share. 

The threat of global warming was recognised globally decades ago, but in recent years, climate discussions have consistently drawn more attention from governments, the private sector, non-profit organisations, academia and the general media. These discussions are shaping and impacting the lives of all, and representation of all communities is necessary in every part of the discussions and implementation.

But who is speaking on behalf of children and girls, the least represented groups in climate negotiations? 

Children are among the least contributors to climate change, yet they are highly impacted by it. While all children are being impacted by climate change, what we need to recognise is that not all children are impacted by climate change to the same degree. Children from climate disaster-affected areas, those with limited educational opportunities, those in centres for internally displaced persons (IDP), and those from low-income families are highly vulnerable with questionable representation in climate discussions. Most of these children don’t even know what climate change is and how it is impacting them.

From my experience as a climate activist, during one of the climate change awareness training sessions, I found that most children, especially from semi-urban and rural areas of Ethiopia, didn’t know what climate change is. Even those who understood the concept were unaware of how it affects them. One girl shared “I know what climate change is, but I don’t think I am affected by it.” And this is the story of many children. And most children who are aware of climate change believe that it is a luxury issue. 

Organisations working to protect children often bring the voices of children to these spaces. Some of the ways they support these children are through consultations, advocating for them, including them in their programmes; which have been beneficial. But this is not enough. One cannot be passionate and more understanding when advocating for something without having experienced it. In the same way that individuals seek medical attention by describing their own symptoms to doctors, children affected by climate change must be the ones to address their experiences and needs in climate negotiations. Relying on others to speak for them often leaves their unique challenges and perspectives unaddressed in critical discussions. It is only the children who can express the challenges they are facing because of climate change and understand the solutions they need.

For COP30, it is a pressing call to elevate the voices of children who are on the frontlines of climate vulnerability, by ensuring they play a central role in decision-making processes that are impacting their lives.

This piece is the first in a series by Terre des Hommes NL Research Intern, and Climate Justice activist, Ilham Mohammed Ali. She actively participates in various initiatives focused on Climate Action, Gender Equality, and Human Rights in her community, including co-founding one initiative.

Find Ilham on LinkedIn