UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations issued a stark warning on Tuesday about the escalating risks that extreme heat poses to children worldwide, emphasizing the dire consequences of climate change.
According to UNICEF, nearly half a billion children—approximately 466 million—are now experiencing at least twice as many days of extreme heat each year compared to their grandparents. This increase in extreme heat days is a direct result of global temperature rises, with significant impacts on children’s health and well-being.
UNICEF’s advocacy chief, Lily Caprani, highlighted that young children are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat because their bodies are not as equipped to handle high temperatures as adults. This vulnerability extends to pregnant women, who face increased risks during periods of extreme heat. The situation is compounded by the fact that many children are losing access to education as schools close due to unsafe conditions caused by high temperatures. As of 2024, at least 80 million children have already been affected by such closures.
Regions most affected include West and Central Africa, where 123 million children face prolonged periods of extreme heat, and Latin America, with 48 million children enduring double the number of hot days compared to 60 years ago. In countries like Mali, where air conditioning is scarce and power outages are common, temperatures can exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) for over 200 days annually.
UNICEF’s report underscores the broader impacts of excessive heat, including its potential to worsen child malnutrition, increase susceptibility to diseases like malaria and dengue, and impair neurodevelopment and mental health. The organization is calling for enhanced public awareness about heat stroke, better training for medical professionals, and investments in cooling infrastructure, particularly in schools.
Despite these urgent needs, the central focus remains on mitigating climate change itself, primarily driven by the use of fossil fuels. UNICEF chief Catherine Russell stressed the importance of incorporating ambitious climate action into national plans to safeguard the future for today’s children and generations to come. As governments prepare their climate strategies, the decisions made will significantly impact the living conditions and health of children worldwide.
