By: Rita Jlogbe
A new report by UNICEF reveals that the health, well-being, and daily lives of children of almost half a billion children the world over are threatened with an increase in extreme heat as a result of accelerating climate change. This is especially the case in regions without adequate infrastructure to cope with rising temperatures.
This reality, according to the report, has at least doubled compared to six decades ago.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “the hottest summer days now seem normal,” she said. “Extreme heat is increasing, disrupting children’s health, well-being, and daily routines,” Russell continued.
The report indicates that in 16 countries, children are facing more than a month of additional extremely hot days compared to the 1960s, with significant increases observed in areas like South Sudan and Paraguay.
Children in West and Central Africa are particularly vulnerable, with 123 million children experiencing more than one-third of the year in temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. The impact of heat stress on children’s health is severe, leading to pregnancy complications, malnutrition, heat-related illnesses, and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases like malaria and dengue.
The report further highlights that children are not only facing more heatwaves but also more severe and frequent ones. Across 100 countries, over half of children are experiencing double the number of heatwaves compared to six decades ago. The United States, for instance, has seen a significant increase in the frequency of heatwaves, exposing millions of children to the risks of extreme heat.
The consequences of climate-related hazards on child health extend beyond temperature increases, affecting food and water security, infrastructure, and essential services like education. These impacts are exacerbated by existing vulnerabilities and inequities, based on socioeconomic status, gender, and geographical location.
The discoveries serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the escalating impact of climate change on children worldwide.
In response to these alarming findings, UNICEF is calling on governments, private sectors, and leaders to take urgent and bold climate action. This includes reducing emissions, protecting children’s lives and well-being, and empowering them with the necessary skills to champion environmental sustainability. The United Nations International Children Education Fund stresses the importance of immediate action to mitigate rising temperatures and ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all children.
As nations prepare to submit new national climate plans, UNICEF urges them to prioritize climate action to safeguard the future of today’s children and generations to come.
