Children in the firing line of climate crisis

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

A staggering 450 million children worldwide are grappling with the intensifying impacts of climate change, enduring extreme heat conditions that are twice as severe as those experienced by their grandparents, according to a harrowing report by UNICEF.

The analysis reveals that one in five children, approximately 466 million, are living in regions experiencing a doubling of extreme heat days compared to the 1960s. The crisis is particularly acute in West and Central Africa, where over 124 million children – a staggering 39% of the region's child population – are exposed to dangerously high temperatures.

The consequences for children's health and well-being are dire. UNICEF warns that the rising heat levels are contributing to malnutrition, heat-related illnesses, and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases like malaria and dengue. The lack of adequate infrastructure and services in many affected areas exacerbates the crisis.

UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, expressed deep concern over the accelerating pace of climate change and its devastating impact on children. She emphasized the urgent need for global leaders to implement climate-friendly policies and reduce emissions to protect future generations.

"Children are not little adults. Their bodies are far more vulnerable to extreme heat," Russell stated. "Young bodies heat up faster and cool down more slowly. Extreme heat is especially risky for babies due to their faster heart rate, making rising temperatures even more alarming for children."