In society, children are important, as they make up our future. Each country is ranked based off of the survival, education, health, and nutrition levels for children. These levels have an impact on how children will live their lives when they are older, which is why it is imperative to keep them at manageable levels.

Unfortunately, as of now, every country in the world exceeds normal carbon emissions, which can have a detriment on the younger generations’ healthy and sustainable future. This issue was addressed five years ago through the The Sustainable Development Goals, yet few countries followed through with this plan. 

Many conclusions were drawn showing how countries must act according to their ranking, based on estimates for 2030. The United States is ranked 173 for sustainability, a staggering low compared to other places around the world. Countries that are placed in the top for sustainability are Norway, South Korea, and the Netherlands. 

Based on the child flourishing index, the United States is ranked 39. The child flourishing index determines the surviving and thriving rates in different factors of society. These factors include education, basic health services, growth and nutrition, and protection from violence (sciencealert).

One reason why children’s well-being is highly emphasized is because what happens during their childhood has a great impact on their adulthood and development. For example, if a child is surrounded by violence and abusive behavior, there is a high chance they will be skittish and fearful when they are older. Additionally, Megan Chou (9) explains that “if the child fails to receive vital nutrition, they will suffer with long-lasting health problems.”

A major issue with children’s well-being is the many harmful products that companies advertise towards kids. In fact, over the past two years, vaping ads have skyrocketed to over 250%, exposing about 24 million minors to these products. 

If countries are beginning to follow through with helping the well-being of children, many recommendations should be implemented. CO2 emissions will need to end, investing in companies that aid in child health, better regulation of harmful marketing towards minors, and more young voices in policy decisions (docwirenews).

Many children, especially teens, have been taking action to encourage these regulations. Be it through writing to the government or protesting to get word out, they all are working together to gain attention about the dire situation they are in.

Despite what countries decide to do, the threat to young people is still clearly there. It has been long overdue that governments start to take action, and the more word that gets out, the quicker it will happen.