UNICEF Report Shows 1.1 Billion Children Face Multiple Climate Hazards

UNICEF released its 2026 Children’s Climate Risk Report on 16 June, warning that about 1.1 billion children – roughly half of all children worldwide – are exposed to at least three concurrent climate hazards. The most common threat clusters are drought, extreme heat and heatwaves, affecting 296 million children, and drought, extreme heat and tropical storms, affecting another 115 million. The report highlights especially vulnerable regions such as the Sahel in Africa and parts of South‑Asia, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan. French overseas territory Mayotte is cited as an example of island communities where limited public services increase vulnerability.

UNICEF emphasizes that children suffer disproportionately because they breathe faster, need more water and food per kilogram, and have lower survival odds in extreme events. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s director‑general, stated, “Half of the world’s children face at least three climate threats, endangering their health, education and survival.” The organization calls for stronger infrastructure, reliable water and health services, and better planning to protect children from the growing climate risks.