South Sudanese children demand climate action
Young participants in a Juba consultation called for climate-resilient schools and early warning systems.
Children in South Sudan have urged the government and world leaders to invest in practical measures against climate change impacts like flooding and drought. During a climate consultation in Juba on Thursday, young participants adopted a declaration demanding climate-resilient schools, accessible early warning systems, and emergency shelters. They described climate change as a child-rights crisis threatening education, food, water, and healthcare, especially for vulnerable communities.
Climate advocate Siama Santino, 17, shared how heat waves in 2024 and 2025 disrupted learning, and flooding in Bor made school travel difficult. The children's declaration stated that COP31 must deliver climate justice and action, not just promises. Some families in affected communities are reportedly eating only once a day due to crop failures and flooding.
The young participants also called for increased investment in climate education, safer schools, clean water access, and emergency services tailored to children's needs. They highlighted the heightened risks for children with disabilities, displaced children, and those in remote or conflict-affected areas. The demands come ahead of the COP31 climate conference in Türkiye.
Why it mattersChildren in South Sudan face disruptions to their education and daily lives from climate-related hazards like flooding and extreme heat.