Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

Annex 2 – Analysis of Evidence: Consultation Responses

Two questions were posed during the draft Adaptation Plan consultation process through Citizen’s Space (Q29 and Q30). Further commentary relating to vulnerable groups was given via consultation workshops and email responses. It is also noted and appreciated that a comprehensive consultation response on the draft Adaptation Plan was received from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, including the views of children and young people in Scotland which has been summarized.

Question 29: What, if any, impact do you think the Adaptation Plan will have on children’s rights and wellbeing?

The total number of valid responses to this question was 73.

Positive impact of Adaptation Plan on children

The most frequent theme was the positive impact of the Plan on children’s quality of life and wellbeing. Respondents explained that while climate change would likely have negative impacts on children, the Adaptation Plan had the potential to mitigate against such negative impacts and instead positively contribute to children’s quality of life and wellbeing. Elaborating in detail, respondents expressed concerns about the impacts of climate change on mental health, anticipating a decline in overall mental wellbeing among children, including heightened levels of stress and anxiety. In response, respondents emphasised that the Plan may instead lead to a safer living environment, promoting a healthier climate and therefore, enhancing general standards of living for children. It was also suggested that climate policies would improve children’s nutrition, leading to overall improvements in children’s health. Furthermore, respondents discussed shifts in future career prospects, with some anticipating positive outcomes such as new job opportunities for future generations.

“Climate anxiety and fear of environmental changes can impact children’s mental health. Ensuring access to nature-rich environments supports children’s physical and mental wellbeing.” – (Organisation)

“'The Adaptation Plan could significantly impact children's rights and wellbeing positively by creating safer, more resilient environments. However, there's a need to ensure that children's voices are heard in adaptation planning and that their unique needs and rights are considered, particularly in education and health services.” – (Individual)

Concerns around inequality affecting children

Another common theme was concerns surrounding increased socio-economic inequality affecting children. Respondents expressed concerns that the Plan would exacerbate inequalities, particularly between families who were able to afford future adaptation changes such as home retrofits, renewable technology and fuel-efficient vehicles, and those who cannot. Additionally, respondents discussed anticipated challenges related to fuel and household heating, highlighting potential challenges faced by disadvantaged families.

“Children, particularly those living in poverty or in marginalised communities, may be disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, food insecurity, and displacement. Inadequate housing, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, and limited social protection measures can exacerbate children's vulnerability and undermine their rights and well-being.” – (Individual)

Question 30: What, if any, measures could be taken to strengthen any positive impacts or lessen any negative impacts of the draft Adaptation Plan on children's rights and wellbeing?

The total number of valid responses to this question was 59.

Climate change education benefitting child wellbeing

The most frequent theme was respondents’ suggestion to increase educational efforts on climate change and its relevance for child wellbeing. This was seen to strengthen the positive impacts and lessen the negative impacts of the draft Adaptation Plan on children’s rights and wellbeing. Respondents highlighted the importance of educating children about climate change in schools and its relevance for the future. Suggestions were made around teaching healthy nutrition in schools, while increasing access to, and affordability of nutritious, healthy foods for children. Respondents also emphasised the need for community and expert input into such educational and health-related policies affecting future generations, calling for structured open debates and knowledge sharing to inform policymakers.

“Education has a large part to play in ensuring that our children have access to environmental information and learning to ensure that we have climate knowledgeable citizens, both now and in the future. There must be cognisance that the information given to children must not add to the negative impact on mental health due to the climate crisis. Suggest that more emphasis should be given within the draft Adaptation Plan that, in all local authorities, Learning for Sustainability should be an educational priority.” – (Organisation)

Opposition to the Adaptation Plan

Another common theme was opposition to the Adaptation Plan, with recommendations to use funds for other areas of youth support instead. Respondents called to abandon the Plan and instead reallocate resources to areas such as youth clubs, sports facilities and affordable housing. Some respondents also emphasised that the Plan would have minimal or no impact on children’s rights and wellbeing.

“Drop the plan, grow the economy. Ensure that there will be well paid jobs and affordable housing for them when they grow up.” – (Individual)

Investing into children’s health and wellbeing

An additional frequent theme was the importance of investing into children’s health and wellbeing as part of the Plan’s approach to strengthening positive impacts on children’s rights. Respondents emphasised the importance of investing in and developing public and social health institutions to ensure children’s long-term health and nutrition. Additionally, respondents called for the creation of safer, well-maintained and accessible green spaces for children to enjoy and connect with nature.

“Make access to health affordable food and healthy green space available to all.” – (Individual)

Additional themes mentioned less frequently included the importance of the implementation of climate measures on adaptation and mitigation without delay.