From Senegal to Haiti, via India and Peru, every year the children and young people supported by Terre des Hommes Suisse work together to raise awareness of climate issues and try to make a difference.
The ‘Save my planet, Save my rights’ campaign pays tribute to their efforts as part of World Environment Day, which takes place every year on 5 June.
The fundamental right of children to live in a healthy environment is crucial to their well-being and development. This implies guaranteed access to basic resources such as drinking water, food, education and medical care, as well as protection from environmental hazards such as pollution and natural disasters. Governments, international organisations and local actors have a responsibility to put in place policies and initiatives to preserve this healthy environment and promote sustainable development, taking into account the specific needs of children.
1 billion
Children live in countries with extreme climate risks, yet they are the least responsible but the most vulnerable to this crisis.
1.7 million
1.7 million children under the age of 5 die each year due to environmental damage exacerbated by climate change.
243 million
students in 85 countries had their education interrupted by extreme climate events (heatwaves, cyclones, storms, floods, or droughts) in 2024.
Discover our flagship program, Eco Reporter, which transforms children and teenagers into dedicated environmental journalists. In 2024, 123 young reporters aged 8 to 17 from Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and India produced 69 photo essays documenting environmental challenges and positive initiatives in their communities.
Through their eyes and words, these young people tell us how their rights and the planetary boundaries are either respected or violated on a daily basis. An innovative educational approach that combines learning about children’s rights, understanding ecological issues, and journalistic techniques.
