Co-signed by leading international paediatric associations, the letter underscores the critical need for action, as 99% of children worldwide face risks due to climate change. It calls for placing children at the forefront of the COP agenda, highlighting the need for urgent policy action and targeted investment. These are crucial to secure a healthier and sustainable environment for children and young people worldwide.
In the letter, RCPCH:
- Strongly advocates for a standing commitment to discuss child health as a core agenda item at each COP meeting
- Emphasises the need for world leaders to prioritise child health within climate action discussions
- Commits to targeted investment to protect child health in the face of climate change
- Highlights the importance of clean air in improving public health, particularly for children, who are disproportionately vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution
- Highlights that climate change exacerbates food insecurity, which severely impacts breastfeeding, nutrition and maternal and child health. For more in-depth insights, refer to the WHO COP29 Special Report on Climate Change and Health (PDF) - the report underscores that health is the argument for climate action, offering compelling evidence and recommendations to address these critical challenges.
The letter is available to download below.
Helena Clements, Officer for Climate Change says:
As a paediatrician, I am acutely aware of the severe health impacts of climate change on children, from toxic air to malnutrition and inadequate healthcare access. The recognition of the link between climate change and health at this COP29 is encouraging.
However, as we look towards future COP meetings, we strongly urge world leaders to make child health a core agenda item at every COP and to address the climate finance gap, ensuring sustained action for the health of children and young people globally.