Most children worldwide face at least one climate-related health risk

UNICEF Report Highlights Growing Climate Threats Facing Children Globally

A new report by UNICEF has found that nearly all children worldwide are exposed to at least one climate hazard, with the situation expected to worsen unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced. The report, published on Tuesday, notes that 1.8 billion children are currently at risk from drought, while 1.2 billion are exposed to extreme heat.

According to the report, nearly half of the world’s children are living with at least three overlapping climate threats, which pose a threat to their health, education, and survival. The report highlights the growing impact of climate change on children’s daily lives, including heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and floods.

The report also notes that nearly every child is exposed to air pollution, while one billion are at risk from malaria. Scientists have warned that global warming must be limited to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that “the lives of children continue to be upended by the impact of heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and floods.” The report calls on governments and business leaders to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

Source: Al Jazeera