Extreme heat threatens 560 million children globally

An international team of scientists has warned that climate change is significantly increasing the exposure of children to dangerous heat. According to research published in the journal Science Advances, approximately 560 million children worldwide now face an additional month of extreme heat every year due to global warming.

The study focuses on children from birth to age 9, noting that they are more vulnerable to heat than adults. Children, particularly those under 4, face higher risks of heat-related illnesses because they have a reduced ability to regulate body temperature, lower sweating capacity per kilogram of body weight, and higher metabolic rates that cause them to overheat more quickly.

Furthermore, young children often lack the autonomy to manage their own hydration or seek cool environments, relying entirely on adults for protection. The health consequences of extreme heat and humidity can be lifelong, potentially exacerbating conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, and kidney problems.