UNICEF launches campaign to empower children as climate leaders

The "Step Up for Climate" campaign is launched in Beijing, May 30, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

UNICEF launched a six-month climate awareness campaign in Beijing on Friday aimed at encouraging Chinese children and adolescents to adopt low-carbon lifestyles and take active roles in addressing climate change.

"Children are least responsible for climate change and the most affected by its impacts. But the right support is available. And children have the power to lead change," said Amakobe Sande, UNICEF representative to China, during the launch ceremony of the "Step Up for Climate" campaign.

The initiative, jointly organized by UNICEF China, the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC), the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (CEEC), and the Chinese Meteorological Society, will focus on empowering youth to become climate leaders at home, in schools and throughout their communities.

Sande emphasized the increasing impact of extreme weather events on children's health and well-being, as well as the growing risks for pregnant women. She highlighted UNICEF's global and local initiatives to address these challenges, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and prepare children to adapt to a changing climate.

"UNICEF is working with China's Ministry of Education to integrate green skills into technical and vocational education," she noted. "We are also collaborating with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to advocate for the incorporation of a child focus in the China National Climate Change Health Adaptation Action Plan (2024-2030)."

Ding Ding, deputy director of the NCSC, spoke about the critical role young people play in tackling climate change.

"Young people possess a keen awareness of global issues and a strong sense of responsibility," she said, adding that rather than passively experiencing the impacts of climate change, they should actively shape solutions with their creativity, vitality and unique perspectives.

Yan Shidong, director of the CEEC, noted that the initiative supports both China's carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals and serves as an essential platform for youth participation in global climate governance.

"In recent years, university environmental groups in China have consistently developed innovative climate solutions," Yan said. "At COP29 in Azerbaijan, Chinese youth delegates shared the story of China's ecological civilization, presenting solutions inspired by Chinese wisdom."

During the launch event, young climate advocates showcased their projects. Student Ye Lisiqi introduced a school-based carbon market that rewards students with carbon credits for sustainable actions. The program includes competitions both within and between schools and has already cut carbon emissions by 880 kilograms.

The "Step Up for Climate" campaign will run for six months, continuing through COP30, the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.