Addressing Climate Change with Sustainable Solutions

The World We Are Creating: A Legacy for Future Generations

In 2025, the global landscape is a complex tapestry of protests, conflicts, environmental crises, and power struggles, raising profound questions about the world we are collectively shaping and the legacy we are leaving for future generations, particularly children. These challenges—ranging from widespread unrest to the exploitation of natural resources—reflect a world grappling with instability and unsustainable practices. Yet, amidst these difficulties, there are glimmers of hope through international efforts and the rising voices of youth. This report explores the current state of the world, its implications for future generations, and the specific impact on children, offering a vision for a more sustainable and equitable future.

The Current State of the World

Protests and Conflicts

The year 2025 is marked by widespread unrest, with protests and conflicts signaling deep dissatisfaction with governance, economic inequality, and social injustice. The Global Protest Tracker by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace documents significant antigovernment protests in over 80 countries, driven by political overreach, economic pain, and violent conflicts (Carnegie Endowment). In Los Angeles, anti-immigration protests erupted in June 2025 following aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, escalating into clashes that prompted the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines, a move criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom as a “breach of state sovereignty.” Similar protests have emerged globally, from Bangladesh, where demonstrators marched against former leadership, to Denmark and Sweden, previously stable nations now facing unrest.

The World Economic Forum identifies escalating armed conflict as the most urgent threat in 2025, with ongoing wars in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, alongside emerging tensions in regions like Libya, Ethiopia, and the western Balkans (World Economic Forum). The International Crisis Group’s 10 Conflicts to Watch in 2025 highlights specific flashpoints, such as Libya’s worsening armed conflict, Ethiopia’s political tensions over Red Sea access, and ethnic violence in Kosovo and Serbia, which could necessitate foreign intervention (International Crisis Group). These conflicts cause immediate suffering, displace millions, and destabilize global security and economies, creating a volatile environment for future generations.

Environmental Degradation

The planet faces an unprecedented environmental crisis, with climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss threatening ecosystems and human well-being. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that plastic pollution, deforestation, and air and water pollution are reaching critical levels. Negotiations for a legally binding global plastic treaty, intended to address production and waste management, were adjourned to 2025 without agreement, underscoring the challenge of unified action (UNEP Report). Deforestation is rampant, with forests the size of 300 football fields lost hourly, contributing to biodiversity loss and exacerbating climate change (Earth.Org).

Climate change remains the most pressing long-term threat, with 2024 marking Europe’s hottest year on record and catastrophic weather events affecting over 413,000 people (Tariff Report). The World Economic Forum notes that extreme weather events, such as wildfires in Los Angeles, are a significant concern for 2025, with 14% of global leaders citing them as a top risk (World Economic Forum). The upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil, set for November 2025, will focus on updating climate action plans under the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5°C, a critical threshold to mitigate irreversible damage (UN News).

Power Struggles and Exploitation

Geopolitical rivalries and the exploitation of natural resources fuel much of the world’s instability. The International Crisis Group highlights how competition for influence and resources, such as in the U.S.-China rivalry or conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, drives regional tensions (International Crisis Group). The pursuit of power often prioritizes short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability, as seen in policies like Project 2025, which could increase carbon emissions by 2.7 billion tons by 2030, equivalent to India’s annual emissions (Earthjustice).

Resource exploitation, such as deforestation and overexploitation of minerals, not only harms the environment but also exacerbates social inequalities. The CrisisWatch Conflict Tracker notes conflicts driven by resource competition, such as in the Congo, where Rwanda-backed rebels have escalated fighting, risking regional spillover (CrisisWatch). These actions reflect a world where immediate gains often overshadow the needs of future generations.

The Legacy for Future Generations

The world we are building for coming generations is one of diminished resources, heightened risks, and compromised quality of life. The following sections outline the key challenges and their implications.

Environmental Inheritance

Future generations will inherit a planet profoundly altered by climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that without immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, today’s children will face unprecedented exposure to heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and tropical storms. A 2025 study reported by ScienceDaily reveals that if global temperatures rise by 3.5°C by 2100, 92% of children born in 2020—approximately 111 million—will experience unprecedented heatwave exposure over their lifetimes. Adhering to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target could protect 49 million children from this risk (ScienceDaily).

Biodiversity loss is another critical concern, with the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reporting that 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activities (UNEP Report). This loss disrupts ecosystems, reducing their ability to provide essential services like clean water and food security, which will disproportionately affect future generations.

Social and Economic Challenges

Socially, the world is becoming more divided, with protests and conflicts signaling deep inequalities and governance failures. The Global Protest Tracker notes that economic pain and political overreach are key drivers of unrest, with new protests emerging in countries like Denmark and Sweden, previously stable (Carnegie Endowment). Economically, the strain on resources due to climate change and conflict will likely exacerbate poverty and displacement. The UNICEF report Prospects for Children in 2025 emphasizes that failing to invest in children undermines long-term economic stability, as it limits countries’ capacity to repay debts and achieve sustainable development (UNICEF Report).

Humanitarian crises are reaching alarming proportions, with an estimated 305 million people needing assistance in 2025 due to conflicts and climate disasters (Charita Report). These crises displace families, disrupt education, and limit access to basic needs, creating a cycle of poverty that future generations will struggle to escape.

Health and Well-being

Environmental degradation and social unrest directly impact health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Pollution, including air and water contamination, poses significant risks, with children’s developing immune systems making them especially susceptible. The Save the Children report notes that climate change exacerbates food insecurity, water scarcity, and health issues, disproportionately affecting children in poverty (Save the Children). For example, extreme temperatures reduce access to clean water and nutritious food, leading to worsening health outcomes.

Additionally, the Center for Humane Technology highlights the impact of technology on children’s mental health. Social media platforms, embedded in daily life, contribute to increased cyberbullying, depression, and reduced attention spans, posing long-term challenges for young people’s well-being (Center for Humane Technology).

The World of Children

Children are at the heart of this crisis, both as the most affected and as potential agents of change.

How Children Are Affected

Children today are growing up in a world where natural disasters are more frequent, resources are depleting, and social stability is uncertain. The UNICEF report underscores the need for resilient systems to protect children from these crises, noting that by 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, many in unplanned settlements, increasing exposure to climate risks (UNICEF Report). In conflict zones like Syria, where 16.7 million people need humanitarian aid, children face disrupted education and healthcare, with long-term consequences for their development (Charita Report).

Technology also poses challenges. The Center for Humane Technology reports that social media platforms harm children’s mental health, with studies linking screen time to increased depression and social isolation (Center for Humane Technology). These combined pressures create a precarious environment for children’s growth and well-being.

What Children Think and Feel

Children are acutely aware of the challenges facing their world. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s (RCPCH) report Preserving the World for Future Generations reveals that many children feel anxious about climate change, believing adults are not doing enough to protect the environment (RCPCH Report). This anxiety is compounded by their exposure to global issues through media and education, making them feel both powerless and motivated to act.

The Lancet Commission on A Future for the World’s Children? emphasizes that children’s voices must be central to sustainable development, advocating for platforms where they can share their concerns and ideas (The Lancet). Their perspectives highlight the urgency of addressing these issues, as they are the ones who will live with the consequences.

The Role of Children in Shaping the Future

Children are not merely victims; they are powerful agents of change. Youth-led movements like Fridays for Future demonstrate the impact of young voices in advocating for climate action. Engaging children in environmental education and activism can foster a generation committed to sustainability and equity. The Lancet Commission calls for policies that empower children, such as new protocols to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect them from harmful commercial practices (The Lancet).

A Path Forward: Building a Better Future

Despite the challenges, there are opportunities to create a more sustainable and equitable world. International efforts, such as the Paris Agreement’s push for updated climate action plans at COP30, offer hope for mitigating climate change (UN News). The UNICEF report advocates for a “Children’s Debt Reset” to prioritize investments in children, ensuring long-term economic and social stability (UNICEF Report).

Youth engagement is critical. By amplifying children’s voices and involving them in decision-making, we can foster a generation equipped to tackle these challenges. Policies that prioritize education, health, and environmental protection can break the cycle of poverty and instability, creating a world where children thrive.

Addressing Key Challenges

The world faces several critical issues that will significantly impact future generations, but proactive measures can mitigate these effects. Protests and conflicts contribute to increased instability, leading to displacement and disrupted education, particularly affecting children. Fostering dialogue, ensuring equitable governance, and resolving conflicts peacefully are essential steps to address this. Climate change threatens future generations with extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and health risks, necessitating a concerted global effort to strengthen commitments under the Paris Agreement and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The exploitation of natural resources is depleting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity, which are vital for sustaining life on Earth; implementing sustainable practices and establishing global treaties are crucial for preserving the planet. Lastly, children’s well-being is under threat from mental health issues and vulnerability to pollution, which can be mitigated by enhancing educational opportunities and protecting them from harmful technologies. By addressing these issues proactively, we can work towards building a more stable, sustainable, and equitable world for the coming generations.

Protests and conflicts threaten future generations with increased instability, displacement, and disrupted education. To mitigate these risks, fostering dialogue, equitable governance, and conflict resolution is essential. Climate change poses another critical challenge, with extreme weather, resource scarcity, and health risks looming ahead. Strengthening Paris Agreement commitments and reducing emissions are vital steps to secure a sustainable future. Resource exploitation continues to deplete ecosystems and reduce biodiversity, demanding urgent action through sustainable practices and global treaties. Meanwhile, children’s well-being is at risk due to mental health struggles and exposure to pollution, calling for enhanced education and protections from harmful technologies. Addressing these interconnected issues now will determine the stability and health of generations to come.

Conclusion

The world we are collectively creating in 2025 is one of significant challenges, marked by protests, conflicts, environmental degradation, and power struggles. These issues threaten the well-being of future generations, particularly children, who face a future of climate disasters, resource scarcity, and social unrest. However, the potential for change exists through international cooperation, youth activism, and a shift toward sustainability and equity. By prioritizing children’s rights and well-being, we can build a world that is not only habitable but thriving—a legacy worth inheriting.