Children in Climate Change - the future is theirs

By Daniel Ibrahim Kamara

Daniel Ibrahim Kamara is first-year Master of Development Practice student at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. His involvement with SERC stems from different factors but is mainly influenced by his commitment to enhancing global sustainable development. Through the SERC, he contributes to materializing sustainability goals by sharing his thoughts and practices in addressing environmental issues in UC Berkeley. In this article, he discuss the impact of climate change on children and the strides they have made in securing their future through child-centered organizations like Save the Children.

Sierra Leone is a West African country with about 8 million people. Young people occupy a more significant percentage of the population. As climate change keeps affecting the world, Sierra Leone, among other African countries, has been hugely affected. This, however, ignited a solid passion in young people to join in the fight against climate change. Save the Children, a leading child-centered organization in the country, is providing children with the opportunity to communicate their fears about the difference in the climate and engage stakeholders to increase their commitment to addressing these issues with adaptation or mitigation, as this is a crucial way to protect their future. The tiny West African nation faces numerous challenges, ranking climate change as one of its most pressing concerns. Its effects are pervasive, but among the most vulnerable are the nation's children. As Sierra Leone grapples with unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels, and increasing temperatures, the youngest of its population bears a disproportionate burden.

One of the most direct impacts of climate change on children is the threat to their health. Rising temperatures can increase the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, a significant concern in Sierra Leone, where it is already one of the leading causes of child morbidity and mortality. Children, due to their developing immune systems, are more susceptible to such diseases. Additionally, the increase in extreme weather events, like heavy rainfall, can lead to floods that contaminate drinking water sources, further endangering children's health through waterborne diseases. Food security is another primary concern. Most of Sierra Leone’s population depends on subsistence farming, but erratic rainfall patterns have made crop yields unpredictable. The consequences are dire for children more vulnerable to malnutrition when food is scarce. A malnourished child faces stunted growth, weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive development, which can have lifelong repercussions.

Food security is another primary concern. Most of Sierra Leone’s population depends on subsistence farming, but erratic rainfall patterns have made crop yields unpredictable. The consequences are dire for children more vulnerable to malnutrition when food is scarce.

Moreover, the socio-economic impacts of climate change further exacerbate the plight of children. As resources become scarcer, tensions can rise, leading to community conflicts. In such hostile environments, children often become victims of violent exploitation and, in extreme cases, are forced to become child soldiers. Furthermore, when families are displaced due to climate-induced factors, children's education is disrupted, robbing them of opportunities for a better future. Sierra Leone’s coastal regions offer a vivid picture of the threats posed by climate change. With rising sea levels, communities are facing displacement, and children, once again, are the most brutal hit. Removal can disrupt their education, expose them to health risks, and push them into child labor as families grapple with the loss of property and livelihoods.

To mitigate the change and adapt to the degrading environmental issues in the country, Save the Children is working with children to amplify their voices in communicating their fears and thoughts to stakeholders on how actions could be taken to address these issues. One of their most recent actions is the child-led research on the impact of climate change on children. This work informs and demands adequate decisions to mobilize resources and employ all sectors to collaboratively address environmental issues as a way of securing the future of children. Also, the children were engaged to develop climate messages to be rolled out in the country for immediate action to address these issues.

In conclusion, while climate change affects everyone, children, due to their inherent vulnerabilities, suffer the most. In Sierra Leone, where the effects of climate change are already evident, addressing the specific needs of children should be central to any adaptation and mitigation strategies. The nation's future rests on its ability to protect and nurture its youngest citizens in this global challenge.