Unicef report: Half of world’s children face three overlapping climate hazards
12 reported
A Unicef report states that half of the world's children are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards threatening their health, education, and survival. The Children's Climate Risk Report found that more than one billion children face threats from heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts simultaneously. The report includes footage of children in Papua New Guinea swimming across a crocodile-filled river to reach school after a footbridge washed away in 2012 and was not replaced. Unicef's executive director, Catherine Russell, said the lives of children are being upended by the impact of heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and floods. The report analyzed exposure to eight climate hazards and found that almost every child globally is exposed to at least one hazard, while 123,000 experience more than six in their lifetimes. Unicef called on governments and businesses to reduce emissions and improve climate adaptation focused on services children rely on.
What’s reported
Half of the world's children are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, according to a Unicef report.
More than one billion children face threats from heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts simultaneously.
In Papua New Guinea, children swim across a crocodile-filled river to school after a footbridge washed away in 2012 and was not replaced.
The community owns a few small boats, but the youngest children are prioritized.
Lorna, 15, said elders do not allow girls to cross the river during their periods due to fear of crocodiles.
Headteacher Charlie Vali David said the loss of the bridge causes injury, death, and illness from cold, dirty river water.
The report found that almost every child globally is exposed to at least one hazard, and 123,000 experience more than six.
Unicef analyzed exposure to eight climate hazards: coastal floods, droughts, extreme heat, fires, heatwaves, river floods, sand and dust storms, and tropical storms.
The Sahel region of Africa is one of the hardest hit, with more than 4 million children facing heatwaves, extreme heat, and sand and dust storms.
Children in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan were found to be exposed to more climate hazards than anywhere else.
In Italy, more than 6 million children are exposed to prolonged heatwaves and drought.
Unicef called on governments and businesses to reduce emissions and improve climate adaptation.
Key figures
Catherine Russell, Unicef's executive director
Lorna, 15-year-old student in Papua New Guinea
Charlie Vali David, headteacher in Papua New Guinea
Sources: The Guardian
