UNICEF Report Shows Millions of Children Exposed to Multiple Climate Threats and School Disruption

The UNICEF Climate Risk Report 2026 finds that 16 million children in Brazil – about one in three – are exposed to three or more climate hazards such as extreme heat, drought and floods. Globally, nearly half of all children (1.1 billion) face at least three climate risks, and more than 30 million are exposed to two or more. The report maps eight common threats, including coastal flooding, river floods, heatwaves, wildfires, sandstorms and tropical storms, and highlights related risks from air pollution and malaria.

A separate UN analysis reveals that 258 million children and adolescents have their education interrupted by conflict or climate shocks, an increase of 21 million in 18 months. Of these, 93 million are completely out of school and 165 million attend under precarious conditions. The crisis is concentrated in nine countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan and Yemen – with conflict and violence identified as the primary drivers. The reports call for urgent emission cuts, climate‑resilient adaptation and increased investment in education to protect children’s rights and well‑being.