UNICEF warns climate change endangers almost every child worldwide

A new UNICEF report finds that almost every child on the planet is exposed to climate‑related hazards that threaten health, development and education. Executive Director Catherine Russell said “half of the children worldwide live with at least three overlapping climate threats.”

The assessment highlights exposure to extreme heat, with more than 1.5 billion children facing frequent heatwaves, to floods affecting over 360 million children, and to poor air quality affecting roughly 2.3 billion children. These conditions increase risks of physical and mental stress, malnutrition, water‑borne diseases, respiratory illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

UNICEF calls for stronger investment in resilient health and education services, infrastructure and protective measures to reduce children’s vulnerability to these climate impacts.