A global challenge
Climate change has devastating consequences that affect us all, leading to prolonged droughts, extreme heatwaves, violent storms, and recurrent floods. In Europe, wildfires and uncontrollable floods are increasingly common, highlighting the worldwide impact of climate change.
Children are affected the most
Impact on children: A child rights crisis
Children, despite not being responsible for the climate crisis, are its most affected victims. Their vulnerability to these crises is alarming. Natural disasters and extreme weather conditions result in massive displacements, infrastructure destruction, crop losses, food and water shortages. As a result, millions of children experience displacement, severe acute malnutrition, and increased exposure to diseases like malaria and dengue.
Over six years, 43.1 million children have been displaced within their own countries due to climate-related disasters, equating to approximately 20,000 children per day. Floods and storms are the primary causes of these displacements.
The figures speak for themselves, and they are rising
820 million children are exposed to heat waves
400 million children live in areas at high risk of cyclones
240 million children face a high risk of coastal flooding
920 million children suffer from water shortages
600 million children are at high risk of exposure to vector-borne diseases
2 billion children, or 90% of the world’s children, are exposed to high levels of air pollution
UNICEF’s response to climate-related disasters
UNICEF responds rapidly and effectively to natural disasters, providing critical emergency assistance before, during, and after crises:
- Support for rescue operations
- Distribution of essential supplies: clean water, food, warm clothing, medicine, hygiene products
- Maintenance and restoration of vital services
- Psychosocial support for children
Climate-resilient infrastructure
UNICEF promotes innovative measures to ensure climate-resilient vital services with minimal environmental impact. This includes promoting renewable energies and developing sustainable infrastructure to secure safe and sustainable access to water, hygiene, healthcare, and education for children.
Supporting governments in sustainability
Between 2018 and 2021, UNICEF supported sustainability and climate programs in 81 countries, focusing on critical social sectors. This support is essential for enhancing community resilience to future climate challenges.
We need you
To continue safeguarding children and securing their future, everyone’s support is crucial. Collective commitment is paramount in mitigating climate change’s effects and protecting our most vulnerable populations.
