Our Scotland, Our Future: Public Engagement Strategy for Climate and Nature - CRWIA
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the Public Engagement Strategy for Climate and Nature
8. If you have identified a positive impact on children’s rights, please describe below how the proposal will protect, respect, and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland.
The PES recognises that children and young people will be disproportionately affected by climate change and nature loss throughout their lives and therefore commits to supporting climate literacy, participation, action and meaningful opportunities to influence decision-making.
The Strategy makes provision for education and skills-focused engagement, accessible evidence-based information, and climate learning initiatives such as Climate Action Schools to help children and young people understand climate and nature loss, develop critical thinking skills, build resilience to misinformation, and participate confidently in climate-related discussions and decisions.
Collectively these articles will be upheld by the PES; Articles 3 (best interests of the child), 4 (implementation of the convention), 6 (life, survival and development), 12 (respect for the views of the child), 13 (freedom of expression), 15 (freedom of association), 17 (access to information from the media), 24 (health and health services), 28 (right to education), 29 (goals of education) and 42 (knowledge of rights) of the UNCRC. This will be achieved by increasing knowledge, encouraging action, strengthening leadership skills and supporting meaningful participation in civic life, these measures will help children develop as informed, active citizens who are able to contribute to shaping the world they will inherit.
Further implementing Articles 13, 17 and 42 as well as Article 2 (non-discrimination), the PES makes provision to work with trusted messengers and communities to deliver engagement tailored to specific audiences. This provision will help ensure children and young people can access information and opportunities to participate through organisations and networks they know and trust.
Articles 15, 24, 29 will also be implemented through the PES as well as Article 31 (leisure, play and culture) by supporting community-led and place-based action, encouraging communities to work together on local climate and nature solutions. This provision will provide opportunities for children and young people to participate in community activities, learn from others and contribute to local environmental improvements. In addition the objective Motivation and associated outcomes on inspiration, individual and collective action provide scope for activities that incorporate creativity, culture, arts and play in exploring climate and nature action.
Articles 2 and 3 will also be further implemented as well as Article 23 (children with a disability) the PES’ promotion of inclusive engagement approaches which take account of the needs of groups that may face barriers to participation, including people living in poverty, disabled people and people traditionally excluded from climate discourse – which includes children and young people. This provision will help ensure that all children and young people have equitable opportunities to engage, participate and benefit from climate and nature action.
Articles 6, 24 and 31 will also be supported through the PES through action to address climate change and nature loss, improve resilience to climate impacts and create healthier, greener places. By contributing to long-term environmental protection and community resilience, the Strategy will support children's health, wellbeing and development now and in the future.