In recent years, the issue of climate change has been included in the international agenda, as reflected in the work of the 28th UN Conference of the Parties (Cop 28) held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023.

One of the central issues discussed at Cop 28 is the detrimental impact of global warming on children’s quality of life of children, and how minors can actively contribute to building a better future for them and the environment. In fact, General Comment No. 26 of 22 August 2023 of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child was also brought forward thanks to 16,331 contributions made by children from 121 countries, all of whom agreed that climate change has had a major negative impact on their lives and communities.

The General Comment emphasises the urgency of addressing the climate emergency that threatens the rights of minors in particular. In fact, the UN Committee recommends reducing air pollution to lower child mortality, and ensuring access to water and healthy aquatic ecosystems to prevent the spread of diseases among minors.

Attached is an in-depth legal analysis on Environment and Climate Change: New Generations at the Centre.