Child's eye: Paintings offer unique perspective on climate change

First prize - Charlotte Sullivan, 13, England. 'The silhouette of a figure in my painting represents the governments’ and global businesses’ idle hold over the world,' she says. 'My wish is that everyone should take care of the environment' Photograph: UNEP

Second prize - Laura Paulina Tercero Araiza, 10, Mexico. 'Through my painting I would like to transmit to all people, including the world’s leaders, my hope and desire to stop global warming by promoting the use of our sun because it is powerful, clean and practically endless. So far it is misused but if we want it could be our every day energy source' Photograph: UNEP

Third prize - Andrew Bartolo, 15, Malta. 'I have painted a scene that, though slightly extreme, gives an insight into a possible future, one where animals lose their homes and are forced to migrate to unfamiliar territories. While humans are able to freely express their distress at the dramatic changes in climate, I feel this painting gives voice to all creatures’ silent protests against the rapid changes taking pace' Photograph: UNEP

Guzel Ramilevna, 13, Russia. 'In my picture the penguin is losing its family members as the ice suddenly broke. They cry to each other but they have drifted so far that their voices cannot be heard. The places which are considered suitable for polar animals to live are now losing inhabitants. People here in Russia all dream of owning big luxury cars, but just think about those little animals and you will know what to do' Photograph: UNEP

Netpakaikarn Netwong, 14, Thailand. 'Due to rapid climate change, I believe that painting could lead to understanding of cooperation for our global environment. Tree planting would reduce CO2. Biking and mass transit would reduce air pollution and save energy for a better world' Photograph: UNEP

Gloria Ip Tung, 14, China. 'Governments be heroes! Make greenhouse gases zero. Show citizens the way, Let’s create a better day! It’ll never be too late to free our planet' Photograph: UNEP

Maria Kassabian, 10, Nigeria Photograph: UNEP

Adrian Lau Tsun Yin, 8, China Photograph: UNEP

Valli Eydokia, 13, Greece Photograph: UNEP