On World Children's Day, UNICEF joins partners to advocate for climate action, emphasizing the urgent need for increased investments to protect the future of children and young people.
The UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, in her statement on World Children’s Days stated that “Climate change, in particular, is an existential threat to the health and wellbeing of this and future generations of children. Globally, more than 1 billion children currently live in countries that are at ‘extremely high-risk’ from the impacts of climate change. This means half the world’s children could suffer irreparable harm as our planet continues to warm. They could lose their homes or schools to increasingly violent storms … they could suffer from severe wasting because local crops have dried up from drought … or they could lose their lives to heat waves or pneumonia brought on by air pollution”.
In Sierra Leone, like many nations, grapples with the consequences of extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation. Children and their families in the country have faced the harsh realities of climate change, with their lives repeatedly disrupted by floods and landslides. These challenges significantly impact vulnerable communities, intensifying existing inequalities and jeopardizing children's rights to survival, protection, and development. This demands immediate attention and action to combat climate change and its impacts, especially on Sierra Leone’s youngest citizens, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13.
“Climate action is not just an environmental obligation; it is an investment in the well-being, health, and opportunities for our children and youth,” says Mr. Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone. “By prioritizing their well-being, education and empowerment, we are investing in a resilient future”.
As part of activities organized to commemorate World Children’s Day led by young people to raise awareness around climate issues, UNICEF worked with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and National Commission for Children (NCC) and children and youth to organize an advocacy symposium and panel discussion on Child Rights and the impact of climate change on children and young people.
Collective efforts are needed to build resilient communities, enhance disaster preparedness, and implement sustainable development initiatives that prioritize the needs of children, who account for about 3.9 million of the country’s population.
As the impacts of climate change intensify, our joint effort to mitigate its effects is crucial for safeguarding future generations. By implementing sustainable practices, fostering environmental education, and adopting policies that prioritize climate resilience, we can create a legacy of resilience and sustainability.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNICEF Sierra Leone.
Latest Stories
-
We may all resort to vote buying if electorates prioritise such over development – Asiedu Nketiah
18 mins -
NDF engages mineral extraction communities in advocacy and litigation resolution
23 mins -
Adabraka in community A/R unites to combat electoral violence
30 mins -
Forestry Commission cracks down on endangered bush meat trade
31 mins -
Global GDP could plunge by 24% by 2,100 without urgent climate action
32 mins -
High Court dismisses lecturer’s bid to block Deputy IGP’s appointment
40 mins -
MTN records 35.5% growth in profit to GH¢3.76bn in quarter 3, 2024
1 hour -
Deloitte to hold training on navigating customs and excise duty Obligations
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia should have prioritised National Peace Campaign launch – Mahama
1 hour -
AGI works to clamp down on substandard foreign mattresses penetrating Ghanaian markets
1 hour -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
1 hour -
Ace Medical Insurance makes its mark at Ghana Club 100 Awards
1 hour -
Dafeamekpor takes Speaker to High Court to affirm vacant seats ruling
1 hour -
Government is not funding GMX music streaming platform – Director of Marketing
1 hour -
Energy sector not advancing enough – ACEP
2 hours