Almost half of the world’s children are at risk from climate change

Almost half of the world’s children and adolescents, equivalent to 1.1 billion individuals, are exposed to at least 3 climate risks, which threaten health, education and survival.

The conclusions are in the Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026, from the (United Nations Children’s Fund), released on Monday (June 15, 2026).

According to the study, almost all children in the world face at least 1 climate risk, while more than 4 million may face up to 6 different threats.

“In Brazil, 16 million are exposed to 3 or more climate risks, such as heat waves or droughts – equivalent to 3 in every 10 Brazilian boys and girls. Looking at 2 or more risks, there are more than 30 million children and adolescents (6 out of 10) who live with these threats on a daily basis,” the report says.

MOST FREQUENT THREATS

The study uses the most recent data available to map the exposure of children and adolescents to the 8 most frequent climate threats around the world: coastal floods, droughts, extreme heat, bushfires, heat waves, river floods, sand and dust storms, and tropical storms.

For the first time, the report shows exactly where and how intensely multiple climate threats affect children and the essential public services on which they depend, in addition to indicating how governments can take concrete actions to respond to this scenario.

According to Unicef’s executive director, Catherine Russell, children’s lives continue to be deeply affected by heat waves, forest fires, droughts and floods.

COMBINATIONS OF RISKS AND REGIONS

Drought, extreme heat and heat waves are the most common combination of climate risks, with more than 296 million children and adolescents living in areas exposed to these 3 conditions. The 2nd most common combination (drought, extreme heat and tropical storms) affects more than 115 million children worldwide.

According to Unicef, in the Sahel region of Africa, one of the most affected, more than 4 million children face the triple threat of heat waves, extreme heat and sand and dust storms.

In Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan, children are exposed to more climate threats and with greater intensity than anywhere else in the world.

High-income countries also face climate impacts. In Italy, more than 6 million children and adolescents are exposed to prolonged heat waves and droughts.

AIR POLLUTION AND MALARIA

In addition to the 8 most frequent climate threats, the report analyzes children’s exposure to air pollution and malaria, 2 risks that are very sensitive to climate change. Data shows that air pollution affects almost every child in the world, while 1 billion boys and girls are exposed to malaria, adding an extra layer of risk to those already facing multiple climate threats.

In Brazil, the scenario is similar, with almost all children and adolescents (95%, or 47 million) exposed to air pollution. Another 5.6 million (or 11% of the country’s child population) are exposed to malaria.

“Without urgent efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, climate threats will become more frequent and more intense, putting further pressure on public budgets and government systems and compromising the well-being of children.,” the report states.

UNICEF RECOMMENDATIONS

To protect children’s rights and tackle the climate crisis, Unicef ​​recommends:

• reduce emissions and take ambitious action to meet international commitments, including phasing out fossil fuels and a just transition to renewable energy;
• protect children and adolescents through inclusive climate adaptation;
• reduce disaster risks and loss and damage responses that make essential public services resilient;
• ensure that key policies for children are included in national adaptation plans and sectoral strategies, disaster risk governance, and preparedness and response plans;
• create safe, green schools and climate-resilient healthcare facilities;
• ensure children’s food security;
• make early warning systems effective for children and accessible to the services they depend on;
• strengthen the efficiency of water and sanitation services, as well as emergency-responsive social protection systems;
• empower children and young people to meaningfully participate in climate action through investment in climate education and skills;
• strengthen the ability of decision-makers and experts to respect children’s rights to be heard, to express themselves and to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

“This study can help governments and decision makers plan better and invest more effectively in resilient services”, disse Catherine Russell.

This text was published by Agência Brasil on June 15, 2026, at 9:03 pm. The content is free for republication, the source is cited, and has been adapted to the standard of Poder360.