RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AND CLIMATE CHANGE: MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCES

. Rights of children are laid down in the Convention on the Right of the Child. The four basic rights are right to live; right not to be discriminated; best interest of the child must be a priority and rights to participation. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. However, since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Climate change can affect health ability to grow food, housing, safety, and work. Some are already more vulnerable to climate impacts, such as people living in small island nations and other developing countries. Climate change can adversely affect the healthy growth, development, and well-being of children. Children are more affected compared to adults because they face additional risks of exposure and have lower tolerance levels to climate risks. However, children are consistently overlooked in the design and content of climate policies and processes. This paper will discuss the rights of children and climate change and highlights Malaysian experiences in handling these issues.