What does the project entail?

Together with UNICEF Netherlands, Statistics Netherlands (CBS), and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), we looked at how climate change and air pollution might affect children in the European and Caribbean Netherlands. Young people were also involved in this process through a youth panel, which contributed at various stages of the project.

What was the aim of this project?

The aim of the project was to raise awareness about the sensitivity of children to the effects of climate change and air pollution. In addition, it sought to promote climate policies that safeguard the wellbeing and health of children. According to the report, such policies should take into account children who are especially vulnerable – for example, due to existing health conditions or because they live in areas that are prone to flooding.

What was our role in the project?

With regard to the topics of heat and flooding, we assessed the impact on children using data from the Climate Impact Atlas. We showed how the climate is projected to change by the years 2050 and 2100. Detailed maps showing heat stress and flood risk were then combined with information about where children live. This enabled us to estimate how many children are currently – and in future – exposed to heat stress and flood risk. In doing so, we also considered specific characteristics of these children, such as their age, whether they live in rented or owner-occupied housing, and household income.

What was the role of the other partners?

We selected the climate data on heat and flooding. CBS linked this data to personal information based on the locations where children live. RIVM brought together sources on the impact on children and provided air quality data. UNICEF Netherlands was responsible for compiling and reporting on these sources in the final report.

The report offers recommendations to governments on how to safeguard the health and wellbeing of children.

What recommendations does the report make?

The report provides a variety of recommendations across several areas, including children’s rights, youth participation, policy, research, and education. A selection of the recommendations includes:

• Ensure that children’s living environments are made greener, for example by planting trees and adding vegetation to buildings.

• Use the Child Rights Impact Assessment when developing climate policy. This assessment specifically considers the impact of policy on children, thereby ensuring their interests are taken into account in a transparent manner.

• Ensure that school buildings are well insulated, so that pupils are not affected by excessive heat in the classroom. This is particularly important for schools in the Caribbean Netherlands.

• Actively involve children and young people in the climate debate and in the development of climate policy.

• Adopt a hopeful perspective when involving children. This supports their mental wellbeing, motivates them, and strengthens their belief in their own ability to contribute.