Children should participate in climate decisions with understanding, not climate anxiety. This was stated by the Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov during a seminar on the topic “Children’s Rights and Participation in Climate and Environmental Decision-Making”, organized by the BlueLink Foundation with the participation of UNICEF.

In his speech, Minister Popov emphasized that the topic of climate change and children’s rights is often viewed in a simplistic way, despite its complexity and importance. He noted that on a global scale, children are among the most vulnerable groups, but in Bulgaria they are currently better protected thanks to the social environment and the level of development of the country.

“When we talk about children’s rights and climate, we need to think globally – not all countries are part of the European Union and not all have the same opportunities,” the Minister pointed out.

According to him, children in developed countries have a moral commitment to show solidarity with their peers around the world, who are already exposed to serious climate challenges.

Minister Popov paid special attention to the growing phenomenon of “climate anxiety” among young people. He emphasized that this state of affairs is not an adequate response to the challenges and called for a more balanced and informed approach.

“The future is in our hands and in the hands of young people. Everything depends on what we will do – how we will limit climate change and how we will adapt to it,” said the Minister.

In his speech, he emphasized the role of education as a key factor in understanding climate processes. Popov called on young people to seek knowledge, develop critical thinking and curiosity, so that they can actively participate in the public debate and in decision-making.

In conclusion, the Minister congratulated the organizers for the initiative and emphasized the importance of the active participation of children and young people in topics related to climate and the environment.

“Children imagine solutions that adults cannot conceive. And that is why it is especially important for children to be at the table when decisions are made,” said Christina de Bruyne, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria.

Students also shared their positions on the topic:

“We are the generation that will bear the consequences of climate change,” said Emma, ​​a student in the 11th grade at the Second English High School.

“We have been given many opportunities to develop. Regarding the climate, we, young people, are active. Teachers encourage us to take a stand. We realize that in many places around the world, children do not have this opportunity,” said Iva, a student in the 11th grade at the Second English High School.

During the event, the results of the national study on the opportunities and obstacles to children’s participation in decision-making on environmental and climate issues in Bulgaria were presented.

UNICEF presented a report on “The Impact of Climate Change on Children.” The Know-How Center for Alternative Child Care at the NBU presented a study of children’s participation and activism in Bulgaria.