Climate change is an environmental phenomenon that affects all living beings on the planet; however, children are the most vulnerable population group . These impacts are especially critical in regions where socioeconomic conditions are more precarious. Children will not only suffer from the direct effects of climate change, such as high temperatures , heat waves , droughts , and floods , but will also be impacted by factors such as water and air quality, which affects their health and development.
A UNICEF report indicates that by 2030, agricultural production is expected to decline by between 10% and 25% , resulting in nearly 95,000 additional deaths of children under five from malnutrition . This alarming projection underscores the urgent need to address climate change from a perspective that prioritizes children's health and adequate nutrition. To better understand this issue, you can consult the upcoming challenges we will face in the coming years.
It is estimated that, at the current rate of consumption, we will need 1.6 planets to meet our demands. This unsustainable consumption model is incompatible with the Earth's capacity. With population growth, the pressure on natural resources will increase, affecting not only Africa but every corner of the world. This increased pressure on resources can lead to extreme situations, as seen in the droughts in Kenya and the impact on children's health in various regions, highlighting the health crisis in children caused by climate change.
According to Maite Pacheco, Director of Awareness and Child Policy at UNICEF Spain , climate change could erase the progress made in child survival worldwide, also affecting children in Spain . In this regard, it is crucial to consider how climate change is impacting the health and well-being of children, especially regarding the differences between climate change and global warming , and the relationship to increased vulnerability.
Projections indicate that by 2050 , the average temperature in Spain could rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius . This dramatic increase could result in neurological problems in premature babies and an increase in hospitalizations for gastrointestinal issues in children under 14. Failure to address these problems could lead to a greater impact of climate change on children's health and, therefore, to a larger crisis, similar to that faced by cities affected by global warming.
In addition to direct health problems, climate change contributes to an increase in allergies and respiratory illnesses , effects exacerbated by urban pollution. This places healthcare systems under increasing pressure, potentially leading to a collapse of medical services. Indeed, the stress generated by this situation can also affect children's emotional well-being, and the mental health of young people is threatened by these changes. In this regard, the health of pregnant women is also affected, impacting their children and worsening the environmental crisis within the family.
Reports from UNICEF and other organizations show that climate change disproportionately affects children living in extreme poverty , who are the least responsible for the climate crisis but the most affected. In many parts of the world, nearly 850 million children ( one in three ) live in areas vulnerable to multiple climate impacts, jeopardizing their future. Children facing these challenges are the ones most likely to be displaced by extreme weather conditions, reflecting a growing resource crisis .
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child's General Comment No. 26 , published on August 28, emphasizes that children have the right to a clean and healthy environment and proposes urgent measures to protect the most vulnerable. This is especially relevant in a context where climate change can wreak havoc on public health infrastructure, which is also linked to food security in various regions, as exemplified by Somalia.
The effects of climate change include a negative impact on children's health, increasing their vulnerability to diseases such as cholera , malaria , and dengue . In light of this, it is estimated that 88% of the increase in these diseases will affect children under five years old. In this context, the data reveal the urgent need to take action regarding child health and environmental education in a world increasingly affected by the desertification crisis.
It is essential to understand that climate change is not only an environmental problem, but also a children's rights crisis . Environmental degradation directly impacts children's food security, health, and education. Droughts and floods not only cause forced displacement, but also destroy health and education infrastructure, affecting children's ability to thrive. This is reflected in crisis zones, where wildlife adaptation faces challenges.
The most vulnerable groups, including children from indigenous communities, those experiencing homelessness, and displaced persons, face even greater challenges . The situation of these communities must be a priority on global agendas if we are to mitigate the impact of climate change on children's health and promote policies that address these problems.
Rising temperatures and poor air quality are also linked to mental health problems in children. Uncertainty about the future and the stress associated with extreme weather events create a significant emotional burden for younger generations, which could affect their psychological and emotional development. This has already been observed in various communities and requires immediate attention in terms of adaptation and mitigation.
Pediatricians and public health experts warn that climate change is a crisis requiring immediate action. It is crucial to develop programs that include children and families in discussions about the environment and solutions to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Involving children in the search for solutions is fundamental, and the vulnerability of Vanuatu is a case in point.
Some of the essential measures that must be implemented include:
- Transform agriculture and implement sustainable practices to ensure adequate nutrition for children.
- Increase access to clean water and ensure healthy air.
- Promote environmental education, enabling children to understand and act on environmental issues.
- Promote policies that promote climate justice and respect for children's rights, prioritizing the most vulnerable groups.
It is essential that inclusive policies be developed and that children's voices be guaranteed in decision-making, recognizing their right to a healthy and sustainable future. The current situation requires us all to act in solidarity with the future of our children and to address related issues such as the plutocene and its effects.
The rise in climate stress and related environmental adversities requires both local communities and global governments to act swiftly to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on children. To achieve this, it is crucial that children's views and needs be assessed and considered when designing solutions to these challenges.
