As climate change accelerates, the futures of millions of children in vulnerable regions hang in the balance.
Nearly half of the world’s children grow up in areas facing severe environmental challenges, threatening not only their well-being but also the very fabric of society.
Children born today confront a harsh reality.
Severe floods, prolonged droughts, extreme heat and the shifting patterns of infectious diseases are no longer distant threats; they are increasingly commonplace.
In 2023, Unicef reported a devastating statistic that over the previous six years, at least 43 million children had been displaced by extreme weather events—an average of 20,000 each day.
Between 2016 and 2021, floods and storms accounted for 95 per cent of global displacements, while more than 2 million children were displaced due to wildfires and droughts.
These figures illustrate not just numbers, but lives disrupted and futures clouded by uncertainty.
In northern Kenya, the impacts of climate change are starkly visible, mirroring broader global trends.
The frequency of floods and droughts in the region is on the rise, intensifying the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
Rising temperatures threaten food security—a fundamental need for every child.
As agricultural yields diminish, prices soar, leading to increased malnutrition.
Unicef indicates that malnutrition already affects one in five children under five, a crisis set to worsen as the climate crisis disrupts food systems.
The health implications are dire.
As temperatures rise, so too does the prevalence of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
The World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, an additional 1.2 billion people, including many children, will be at risk of malaria due to climate change.
Each new infection not only signifies a health crisis but also interrupted learning and development, as children miss school due to illness.
Air quality is also deteriorating, with the crisis fuelling more frequent wildfires and rising levels of ground-level ozone.
Children’s developing lungs make them particularly vulnerable to air pollution, which can lead to long-term respiratory issues, cognitive deficits and reduced life expectancy.
Faced with these challenges, what hope do we have for future generations?
The impact of climate change on children extends beyond health; it affects every aspect of their lives. Displacement disrupts education, as schools are destroyed or converted into shelters.
Children uprooted from their homes experience trauma and insecurity, along with limited access to essential services.
This psychological toll hinders their emotional and social development, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability.
We undoubtedly risk creating a workforce that is less educated, less healthy, and ill equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the future.
We must therefore advocate comprehensive climate policies that prioritise the protection of children.
Investments in resilient infrastructure, education and healthcare are essential.
The future we envision – a world where children can learn, grow, and thrive – depends on our commitment to confront climate change today.
If we act with purpose and solidarity, we can secure a brighter future for all.
Let us all act now!
