Children are the least responsible for the causes of the climate crisis but they bear the biggest brunt of its impacts.
Nearly every child on the planet is affected by climate change and future threats to their lives loom large. That’s why UNICEF is doubling down on efforts to take urgent action to ensure the safety and protection of children now and for generations to come.
See what needs to be done and what UNICEF is already doing to address climate change:
How is climate change affecting children today?
Globally, approximately 1 billion children – nearly half of the world’s children – live in countries that are at an extremely high risk from the impacts of climate change. And almost every child on earth is exposed to at least one climate and environmental hazard, shock or stress such as heatwaves, cyclones, air pollution, flooding and water scarcity. Record-breaking climate events are deepening existing humanitarian crises, depleting resources and unleashing new waves of mass displacement, malnutrition and disease.
What is UNICEF doing to respond?
UNICEF is focused on developing sustainable access to safe water and sanitation, reducing disruptions to education and health services in times of disaster and helping governments and local communities create action plans to manage the risks children face. They’re using their global scale and expertise to invest in more efficient service delivery, fund innovative climate-resilient solutions and ensure that we embody sustainability within our own operations. UNICEF also works with governments and decision makers to put children at the center of climate and environmental policies.
What’s at stake for the future?
Without immediate global action, children will face a world with fewer vital resources and greater risks to their lives. Future challenges include high levels of air pollution, extreme water scarcity — 600 million children are projected to lack water resources by 2040 — an increased number of climate disasters and more disease outbreaks, to name a few. Every action we take now can lessen the future impact of these challenges.
Where can we look to find hope?
Children and young people are rising to the challenge to demand action on climate change and using their voices to organize solutions. Their courage and willingness to speak up and their role as key stakeholders in addressing the climate crisis should inspire all of us to join the fight. It's why one of UNICEF’s main priorities is supporting and empowering children and young people to be climate and environmental champions — including ensuring that their voices, perspectives and ideas are heard at the highest levels. |
Shannon Coffey
UNICEF USA
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