The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA)

Annex – Consultation analysis

Question: Are there any positive or negative impacts from the draft Environment Strategy that have not been identified in the draft Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment?

Just under half (46%) of those answering Q19 felt there could be additional impacts that have not been identified in the draft Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA). The remaining 54% indicated they did not anticipate additional impacts.

Thirty respondents shared their views on the child rights and wellbeing impacts that they felt were not fully identified in the draft CRWIA. The key themes, in order of prevalence, covered healthy environments, education and participation rights, inequalities in access, mental health, household transition effects and sector-specific contexts.

Sustainable environment and education

Some respondents supported the inclusion of children’s rights within the draft Environment Strategy, particularly the recognition of Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which emphasises the role of education in fostering respect for the natural environment. Many called for environmental education to be treated not as an optional activity, but as a right for all young people. Embedding this principle across the curriculum and in community initiatives was considered essential to ensuring that all children develop environmental awareness and ecological literacy. Several respondents stressed that children have a right to live in a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, free from harmful emissions and environmental degradation. They recommended that the CRWIA more explicitly reflect children’s right to a healthy environment, already recognised under Article 24 of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.

Approaches to improve implementation

Several respondents proposed ways to strengthen the draft CRWIA’s delivery through participatory, transparent, and accountable processes. They stressed that children and young people must be meaningfully involved in all stages of environmental policymaking and monitoring, not only as beneficiaries, but as active participants and human rights defenders. Some respondents, including children’s rights organisations and youth groups, suggested practical engagement methods such as school-based workshops, surveys, and creative formats (e.g. videos or podcasts) to make consultation accessible and inclusive. They also emphasised the importance of ongoing feedback loops, allowing young people to see how their contributions have impacted decisions.

Participation and access

Some respondents noted that unequal access to outdoor spaces, environmental education, and nature-based learning continues to disadvantage children in rural, island, and low-income communities. While it was noted that the draft CRWIA recognises the general benefits of access to nature, it was seen as insufficiently detailed in addressing barriers such as transport, cost, or the availability of safe green spaces.

Some respondents, particularly those from island and farming communities, highlighted that local infrastructure and economic constraints can limit children’s opportunities for environmental stewardship. Two respondents stressed that learning and play in well-designed outdoor environments, incorporating biodiversity, food growing, and sustainable drainage, can enhance physical and mental wellbeing, foster a sense of responsibility for nature, and strengthen community ties.

Inequality and intergenerational justice

Children from deprived areas were noted to be more exposed to air pollution, flooding risks, and fuel poverty, with associated health and educational impacts. Several respondents urged the Scottish Government to explicitly address these disparities in the CRWIA, linking environmental justice with child wellbeing outcomes.

Mental health and wellbeing

A recurring theme was the need to address the mental health implications of the climate and nature crises. Some respondents noted that while the draft CRWIA acknowledges benefits from green spaces and cleaner air, it does not fully consider the growing evidence of eco-anxiety among children and young people.

Transition and economic impacts

A few respondents identified that some environmental measures could indirectly affect children through their impact on family finances or local economies. Rising costs of heating, food, or transport were cited as potential burdens that could exacerbate household poverty if not mitigated through just transition policies.

Opportunities and future skills

Some respondents viewed the Environment Strategy as an opportunity to enhance children’s future wellbeing by equipping them with green skills, vocational pathways, and civic opportunities. Schools were encouraged to establish stronger links with environmental sectors and green employers, potentially through levy-based funding models similar to those used in the construction sector.

Youth organisations also highlighted that participation in conservation, land stewardship, and nature-based learning builds confidence, responsibility, and a connection to place. Embedding these opportunities across education and community programmes was widely seen as a way to turn environmental responsibility into empowerment.