Monday, March 01, 2010
Living with disasters and climate change from a children’s perspective
‘Living in the World of Disasters and Changing Climate’, published by Save the Children, is about children, disaster risk reduction, and climate change. It is a collection of children’s stories and statements about their views on disasters and climate change and their impact on the children’s lives, and how they can do something about it.
” Children should not be seen as victims, but actors in addressing the impacts of natural disasters and climate change on their lives and the life of their community. Policy makers and local authorities need to listen to children and see them as part of the future solutions. Children need to be involved in initiatives to build up their knowledge and resiliency thereby reducing the impacts of disasters and climate change, especially on the most vulnerable. “
Stories were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Interviews and focused-group discussions were conducted with children and adults in five communities in Thailand and four communities in Indonesia. Case studies were also collected from Vietnam and the Philippines. Programme documents and reports were used as secondary resources.
Children interviewed for this book have experienced different levels and frequencies of disasters and effects of climate change. While their voices do not represent the voices of all children in the Southeast Asia region, the book attempts to highlight common concerns amongst children who have experienced disasters and climate change. The fact is that children want and can take action to reduce the risks of disasters and climate change on themselves and their communities.
Save the Children