New child and youth-led climate research reveals the urgent need to strengthen climate education and disaster mitigation across Asia

• Participants reported low to moderate levels of disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities.
• Children identified physical health as the aspect of their lives, most affected by climate change. 
• The majority of participants reported experiencing strong emotions like fear, anxiety and worry/concern about the threat of climate change and disasters.
• Girls experienced greater worry and anxiety about the impacts of climate change and disasters than boys and felt less prepared for disasters in comparison to boys.

Bangkok, 22 November 2024 -

World Vision East Asia’s first child-led research on climate action and disaster mitigation reveals that underpinned by the low to moderate levels of disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities, there is a pressing need to strengthen climate education (formal and informal) and disaster mitigation through school programmes and social media channels.

Conducted by 28 World Vision child and youth leaders, aged 12-18 years, across six countries, the report aims to understand the deepening impact of the climate crisis on children’s well-being, especially physical and mental health and family livelihoods, while also assessing the level of climate change awareness and disaster preparedness among communities.

According to the study, a majority of the participants reported experiencing physical illnesses due to climate hazards and strong emotions like fear, anxiety, and worry/concern about the threat of climate change and disasters. Apart from physical and mental health, family’s livelihood/income was among the top three aspects of child well-being most heavily impacted by climate change and disasters.

65% of children in East Asia and the Pacific face four or more simultaneous climate shocks, nearly double the global average (37%), highlighting the high level of children's exposure and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change in the region, compounding with other risk factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and food insecurity. Most recently, nearly 1.3 million children across Southeast Asia faced major setbacks to their learning due to the damage and closure of schools, flooding of homes and displaced families caused by Typhoon Yagi across Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. 

"As the climate crisis worsens in Southeast Asia, our aim is to empower and equip children with skills and knowledge to engage in climate action, while at the same time investing in programs that support disaster preparedness and resilience for communities to better navigate climate shocks. We are doubling down on supporting child-led environmental initiatives, and this research has provided better insight and visibility of children’s perspectives and priorities, which will inform our future programmes. It is encouraging to see just how passionately the child researchers have engaged throughout this process – from the inception of the research questions to organising this event. It gives me real confidence that this next generation not only has the interest, but also the commitment, and the skills to shape a brighter future for us all." said Terry Ferrari, Regional Leader, East Asia, World Vision International.

Additionally, the report reveals the disproportionate impact on the mental resilience of girls, caused by climate change and disasters, as compared to boys, highlighting the need for tailored mental health interventions to address their unique challenges. Girls had less knowledge of disaster preparedness compared to boys, underscoring the importance of targeted initiatives to bridge this gap.

The observations and recommendations of the report were presented by the child and youth researchers from Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia and Viet Nam at the Universal Children’s Day virtual event, organised by World Vision. The event was attended by government officials, along with leaders from the humanitarian and development sector, UN like Atty Mikiko Otani, UN CRC Committee Member, the private sector and academia.

Under the umbrella of World Vision East Asia’s child participation framework for meaningful and inclusive child empowerment, the event also highlighted the importance of providing children and youth, who are among those most affected by climate change, platforms to amplify their voices in shaping effective solutions.

A panel of experts from the humanitarian sector and government representatives along with World Vision child researchers, reflected on the key findings and recommendations raised in the report. The children and youth, participating in the event, highlighted their aspirations to partner with national governments, donors, development partners, and international organisations to take greater leadership in climate action and disaster mitigation efforts.

“The reality is that climate change hurts our environment. Innocent children, who contribute the least to the climate crisis suffer the most. Children need to be heard and included in decision-making on climate action and disaster mitigation programmes. I urge policymakers, parents, community leaders and NGOs to give children more opportunities to speak up. Change can be slow but with time, unwavering dedication, and determination, we can make this world a healthier and better place together,” said 17-year-old Moe, a World Vision child leader and change-maker from Myanmar.

Positively, the report puts a spotlight on children’s high motivation in contributing to environmental efforts and outlines existing child-led climate action and disaster risk reduction efforts that urgently need investments to be scaled up.

World Vision is working directly with vulnerable communities, including children, to mitigate the risks of climate change and increase their resilience through context-specific solutions, with a focus on food security, clean energy, natural resources management and climate adaptation.

"Access to a sustainable and a healthy environment is a child’s right, that is why empowering children and youth with the knowledge, resources and opportunities to take action on climate change and disaster mitigation is critical,” added Terry Ferrari, Regional Leader, East Asia, World Vision International.

Note: The full report, including country-specific reports, are available HERE.

More about the report

The Young Minds Shaping Climate Action & Disaster Mitigation for a Sustainable Future’ Child-led Research Report aims to get a better understanding of the impact of climate change and disasters in East Asian communities, including on children’s physical and mental well-being and identity approaches to address these challenges and protect children from the harmful effects of climate change. 

The 28 child and youth researchers, aged 12-18 years, part of World Vision’s Young Minds CAMP, a regional leadership development academy, conducted the Young Minds Shaping Climate Action & Disaster Mitigation for a Sustainable Future’ research across their rural and urban communities in Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Altogether, a total of 678 child participants ages 8-17 years, and 83 adults who are community leaders/teachers/parents were part of the surveys/interviews/FGDs.

For further information, contact:

Annila Harris, Regional Sr Communications & Public Engagement Manager | East Asia | World Vision International

Email: annila_harris@wvi.org