The climate crisis is already reshaping lives and landscapes—especially in the most vulnerable parts of the world. From rising sea levels and glacial melt to floods, droughts, and wildfires, communities are experiencing irreversible losses. These are not future projections but present realities. Yet, despite their severity, loss and damage remain underrepresented in national climate policies.
This toolkit—developed by the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition—is designed for young people who want to change that. It equips youth with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to advocate for the integration of loss and damage into their country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement.
Inside the toolkit, you’ll find:
- A clear and accessible explanation of loss and damage, including both economic impacts (such as loss of infrastructure and livelihoods) and non-economic dimensions (such as cultural loss, displacement, and mental health effects).
- An outline of why integrating loss and damage into NDCs is critical for justice, accountability, and resilience—particularly for Global South countries disproportionately affected by climate change.
- Practical, step-by-step guidance on how youth can assess their country’s current position, identify policy gaps, set clear goals, and define indicators for measurable progress.
- Recommendations on how to engage with civil society, local governments, and frontline communities to ensure solutions are inclusive and grounded in lived realities.
- Real examples from countries like Nepal, Maldives, and Saint Lucia that are already leading the way by embedding loss and damage in their national commitments.
This is more than a guide—it’s a call to action. The integration of loss and damage into climate plans is not just a policy decision—it’s a matter of justice, equity, and intergenerational responsibility. This toolkit is your roadmap to influence national decisions, elevate community voices, and drive systemic chang