A guide for journalists, pressofficers, content creatorsand debate moderators

The climate crisis is one of the world’s greatest challenges today, and it harms most severely those who contributed the least and who will live the longest with the consequences of the decisions we make now: children and adolescents. Despite this, in official climate actions, they are not heard in discussions or decision-making processes. In official documents and events, they are not taken into account, creating invisibility that becomes even more pronounced in the face of inequalities related to gender, class, race, ethnicity, territory, and disability.

Children’s and Adolescents’ Participation in the Climate Agenda: A Guaranteed Right
Children and adolescents are rights-holders and agents of change, with their own languages, cultures, and perspectives. Some frameworks ensure their right to participate in the climate agenda:

United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child and its General Comment nº 26 — the best interests of the child must guide all debates and decisions on climate policies and agreements. To achieve this, children must participate effectively and meaningfully.

Federal Constitution (Article 227) — it is the duty of the family, society, and the State to ensure the rights of children and adolescents with absolute priority in all areas.

Statute of the Child and Adolescent (Article 15) — children and adolescents have the right to express themselves, share their opinions, and participate in community and political life.

Communication professionals play a crucial role in amplifying the demands, opinions, proposed solutions, and little-known realities of children and adolescents. That is why, in this guide, you will find recommendations on how to interview this audience about the climate agenda at events such as COP30.