Nearly half the world's children exposed to three or more climate risks: UNICEF

More than one billion children globally are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, a stark warning from a new UNICEF report. The UN agency analyzed data on where the world's 2.4 billion children live in relation to eight major climate impacts: coastal flooding, river flooding, drought, tropical storms, heat waves, extreme heat, wildfires, and sandstorms.

The report highlights that 1.1 billion children face a combination of at least three risks, with drought, extreme heat (above 35 degrees Celsius), and heat waves being the most frequent. This specific combination impacts approximately 296 million children, with Nigeria, Pakistan, and India bearing significant numbers. The number of children facing three or more climate risks has surged over the past two decades, with nearly all children exposed to at least one risk.

UNICEF chief Catherine Russell stated, "Children are at the forefront of the impact of climate change." While no single location is definitively the worst, report author Tom Slaymaker noted "hot spots" are concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia. Countries with large child populations like Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan lead in the sheer number of children affected by multiple hazards.

However, in terms of the proportion of children affected, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Sahel region, show the highest percentages. The report also points out that governmental inability to manage climate hazards often worsens these impacts. For instance, Chad faces a humanitarian crisis where over 95 percent of children are exposed to at least three hazards, one of the highest proportions globally. Island nations also face unique challenges, including limited freshwater and reliance on imports, making them vulnerable to disasters like hurricanes.

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Children are at the forefront of the impact of climate change.