Muscat – In a landmark initiative to safeguard the next generation from the mounting threats of climate change, Environment Authority (EA) has presented a pioneering study examining the impact of climate change on children and young people in the sultanate.

Titled Climate Impact Analysis: Children and Youth in Oman, the study was developed with technical support from Unicef Oman and places children at the centre of the sultanate’s climate agenda. It evaluates existing policies, identifies gaps, and provides practical recommendations to strengthen resilience and protect vulnerable groups.

The seven-month research covered communities in five governorates – Dhofar, Muscat, North Sharqiyah, North Batinah and Musandam – gathering inputs from over 60 children, 56 young people, 30 parents and caregivers, and 48 teachers. A multi-sectoral technical committee ensured that the findings reflected those most exposed to climate risks.

Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of EA, described the study as a “major national step” towards protecting Oman’s youth. He said the authority, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the sultanate’s carbon neutrality target for 2030, will work with partners to implement the recommendations through dedicated task forces and projects.

Sumaira Chowdhury, Unicef representative in Oman, highlighted the urgency of child-focused climate action and pledged continued support to help the government strengthen essential services and empower children to adapt to a changing climate.

The study underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration, particularly in supporting vulnerable groups such as children with disabilities. It aligns with Oman’s 11th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), National Adaptation Plan, and its Nationally Determined Contributions. The findings will also be presented at COP30 in Brazil, reinforcing Oman’s role as a regional advocate for child-centred climate action.

This initiative follows Oman hosting its first-ever Climate Week in February 2025, which brought together regional specialists to accelerate climate efforts. The sultanate continues to pursue strategies aimed at scaling up renewable energy, boosting energy efficiency and embedding resilience into infrastructure, signalling its commitment to a sustainable, zero-emissions future.