The Importance of Participatory Child-Centred Research for Climate Adaptation

Abstract

Involving children in research on climate change improves the quality and relevance of knowledge that informs policies and programmes for climate change adaptation. however there is a risk that exposing children to concepts and discussion around life-threatening issues will create feelings of helplessness, denial and disempowerment. Participatory action research (PaR) nurtures two-way relationships between researchers and children that minimises negative effects and builds the capacity of child participants to take action. This briefing reflects lessons and good practice for supporting and delivering child-centred research.