#WorldEnvironmentDay
A sustainable natural environment is essential for the survival and well-being of human beings. Climate change has catastrophic impacts on the environment and can lead to far-reaching consequences. Unfortunately, no one pays a higher price than those who’ve done the least to cause this global problem – the poor.
A crisis we cannot ignore
The ramifications of climate change include sea level rise, more floods and droughts, extended heat waves and extreme weather events that are becoming more intense and unpredictable. 13 out of 30 countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are found in East Asia and the Pacific region. Climate change is exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities of the most vulnerable children and their families. It will not only negatively affect the health of the poor and the fulfilment of their basic needs such as drinking water, but in many countries, it also poses a real threat to livelihoods and food security as a result.
World Vision believes that every child has the right to live in a healthy and safe environment. We work with various stakeholders to build a sustainable habitat conducive to children's thriving. We also partner with children themselves through our environmental stewardship and climate action programmes to achieve positive development outcomes for children and their communities.
The children have spoken. Let us listen and act on their call.
The climate crisis is a children's crisis. From affecting family's income to melting their future, children have had enough and are calling for action.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy projects are designed to empower communities with sustainable energy solutions, which aims to improve their quality of life while fostering economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
Solar-powered greenhouses
This project promotes solar-powered greenhouses that help low-income families cope with Mongolia's harsh climate, grow vegetables efficiently, increase their income, and ensure food security for their children.
Safe mobility through renewable energy
Dark roads in the mountainous areas compromise the safety of both children and adults. Solar lights contribute to safe mobility for mountainous communities and increase their access to clean, renewable energy.
Planet vs. Plastics
Reducing plastic usage is crucial in addressing the climate crisis as it not only curtails carbon emissions associated with plastic production but also mitigates environmental degradation, preserving vital ecosystems like forests and oceans that act as natural carbon sinks. Through our initiatives across East Asia, we strive to mobilise children and communities in the endeavour to reduce plastic waste and promote responsible recycling practices. This way, we can significantly contribute to combating climate change and safeguarding the planet for future generations.
Waste No Waste Project
Waste management is never an easy task for any country. It seems there is no optimal solution to handle it while the volume of waste is piling up every few seconds. Some ideas have been proposed, including the initiative to turn waste into resources. In 2023, World Vision Vietnam implemented the Waste No Waste Project in Hai Phong City, reaching 38,625 people and 5,000 students through awareness-raising activities on waste handling, classification and treatment.
It Starts With Me Campaign
It Starts With Me Campaign aims at raising the awareness of Lao citizens and youth on climate change issues in order to change behaviours and bring about a better future for children, the environment, and our planet. Joint efforts are needed to face the challenges posed by climate change. Each individual has a role to play in addressing these challenges: reducing our consumption of single-use plastic, planting trees, re-using our goods, and recycling what we can. Small changes can make a big difference.
Youth-led Trash2Cash
Citi Foundation supports World Vision Foundation of Thailand to implement the Youth-led Trash2Cash Project, inviting adolescents to save the earth and brainstorm on waste management because waste is one of the three key contributors that exacerbate global warming. This initiative invites youth to be part of the force in reducing waste. It drives waste management activities based on the 3Rs principle – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – to create a better environment. It also encourages youth to think about how to add value to waste, which will have both economic and environmental benefits.
Climate Action in East Asia
World Vision recognises the link between climate change and sustainable development. Across the region, our programmes seek to address climate change in five practical ways as we work towards a more resilient and sustainable future for all, where children and communities are empowered to thrive in harmony with nature.
Restore natural environment
Environmentally restorative activities such as reforestation provide communities with a sturdy shield against strong winds, floods and coastal erosion.
Read about Arun's effort to restore the mangrove forest in his community.
Increase resilience to climate change
Climate-smart livelihoods and anticipatory actions help smallholders coexist with extreme weather conditions and secure year-round food sources for their families and children.
Read about how anticipatory action is supporting Mongolian herders to survive the impact of Dzud.
Promote eco-friendly farming
Farmers are trained and supported to build sustainable livelihoods that minimise impacts on the environment and avoid contamination of soil and water resources.
Read about how Tang and his family have benefited from World Vision China's Eco-farming Project.
Empower future generations
Children are equipped to voice up about climate issues and provided with spaces to call for systemic changes as well as make transformative impacts on their living environment.
Read about how youth in Cambodia are calling for action and better climate education to promote environmental stewardship, and how youth in Mongolia are tackling air pollution.
Advocate for climate actions
Voices from children and the vulnerable are brought forth to decision-makers and global leaders to increase finances for climate actions, replicate what has been proven effective, and accelerate progress towards sustainable development.
Read about Nomin, child delegate from Mongolia to COP28, and how children's voices matter in global platforms and dialogues on climate action.
