Nearly half of world's children exposed to at least three climate hazards, UNICEF warns

More than a billion children worldwide are exposed to at least three major climate-related hazards, according to a new report by UNICEF. The agency warns that children are on the front lines of the climate crisis, facing overlapping risks like droughts, hurricanes, and heatwaves with increasing frequency.

The report analyzed data on the global child population against the geographical distribution of eight common climate impacts: coastal and river flooding, drought, tropical storms, heatwaves, extreme heat, wildfires, and sandstorms. It found that nearly half of the world's 2.4 billion children are exposed to at least three of these risks. The most common combination involves drought, extreme heat, and heatwaves, affecting 296 million children, with significant numbers in Nigeria, Pakistan, and India.

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Children are on the front lines facing the impacts of climate change.

While almost all children (2.3 billion) face at least one climate risk, the report highlights that children are not equally protected. UNICEF emphasizes that vulnerability varies based on access to essential services such as healthcare, food, water, and education. The agency is releasing these findings to assist governments in preparing for the escalating impacts of global warming.

Certain regions are identified as "hotspots" with particularly high exposure. Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South Asia, and small island developing states are cited as areas where children face the most severe combined climate threats. The report underscores the disproportionate impact of climate change on the world's youngest and most vulnerable populations, urging for greater global action and support.

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But they are not equal when it comes to these risks.