A Path to Life

At first glance this is a lovely story about the friendship between children and young leopard cats who happen to be in the same situation, showing how children can understand animals and become their friends because they do not threaten them. But the story also raises major environmental issues. Through the account of the leopard cats, we are alerted to the way in which human exploitation of nature puts species in danger and leads to loss of biological diversity. These upcoming years are crucial as world leaders will agree on a new sustainable development framework for the next 15 years. The proposed 17 goals include targets to end poverty, to ensure healthy lives and quality education and to combat climate change, among others. The decisions taken will undoubtedly have a huge impact on children's lives and rights today as well as the lives and rights of future generations.