Climate Change

UNICEF works to help communities and children prepare for and deal with the effects of climate change in the most vulnerable countries. We also support young people to have a voice in the climate change debate.

Climate Change in the South Pacific is a very real threat.

Children in the Pacific Islands are experiencing the harsh effects of climate change including worsening coastal erosion, floods, drought, and storm surges. This is having an impact on food security and livelihoods.


Meet UNICEF Kiwi Climate Ambassadors

In 2009, young people from all over the world worked on a Declaration to the President of COP 15, Ms Connie Hedegaard, who took the document to the leaders present at the COP 15 in Copenhagen.

In the declaration, the children commited to personal changes in their own lives and demanded that governments take action to protect the world from the terrible effects of climate change. Read the declaration for yourself

The Climate Kiwis created a DVD about the Children’s Climate Forum to share their experiences show how young people can make a difference. “Our Future: It’s up to us, it’s up to you” features footage from the Children’s Climate Forum and challenges others to take action. The DVD was launched in parliament on August 17, 2010. Order a copy of the free DVD by emailing takeaction@unicef.org.nz.

PACIFIC YOUTH ON CLIMATE CHANGE


UNICEF also supported a youth delegation from Kiribati to attend the COP15 conference. This delegation included Josephine Baaro (17), Teako Otia Nebati (16) and Iaoniman Kambati (18).

"Just today I was watching the tide coming in with great concern. The waves came right up to our mwaneaba (meeting house). This is new. The sea never came this close before. Our well, our major source of water for every day needs, has turned brakish and salty. What do we do as a nation, as a people who are in the front line and experiencing right now the adverse effects of climate change?” Josephine Baaro, 17, Kiribati.

Find out more about UNICEF and Climate Change.