A new report by UNICEF has revealed that nearly half of the world’s children are now exposed to at least three overlapping climate and environmental hazards, underscoring the growing impact of climate change on younger generations across the globe.
According to the report, more than one billion children are simultaneously facing multiple climate-related threats, including heatwaves, floods, storms, droughts and other extreme weather events. The findings highlight how climate change is increasingly disrupting children’s health, education and overall well-being, regardless of whether they live in developing or developed nations.
The analysis found that almost every child worldwide is exposed to at least one major climate hazard during their lifetime. A smaller but significant number of children face even greater risks, with thousands experiencing six or more overlapping climate threats. Experts warn that such exposure can have long-term consequences on physical health, mental well-being, access to education and future economic opportunities.
The report draws attention to the experiences of children living in vulnerable communities, where climate-related damage to infrastructure is making daily life increasingly difficult. In one example from Papua New Guinea, schoolchildren are forced to swim across a river to attend classes after a bridge was washed away by severe flooding years ago. The absence of safe transportation has created serious safety concerns and disrupted education, particularly for girls and younger children.
Community leaders in the region say that heavy rainfall, stronger currents and increasing climate variability have made river crossings more dangerous. Students often miss classes during adverse weather conditions, while exposure to contaminated water has also led to health issues. Residents have struggled to raise funds to rebuild the damaged bridge, highlighting the challenges faced by communities with limited resources.
UNICEF’s assessment examined children’s exposure to eight major climate hazards, including coastal flooding, river flooding, droughts, extreme heat, heatwaves, wildfires, tropical storms, and sand and dust storms. The findings indicate that some of the highest levels of overlapping climate risks are concentrated in Africa’s Sahel region, where millions of children are exposed to intense heat, heatwaves and frequent dust storms.
Several Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan, were also identified as among the most climate-vulnerable regions for children, with young populations facing multiple environmental threats simultaneously. However, the report stresses that wealthier nations are not immune. In countries such as Italy, millions of children are already being affected by prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said that climate-related disasters are increasingly shaping children’s daily lives and futures. She emphasized that governments must invest in stronger health systems, resilient schools and climate-proof infrastructure to safeguard children from escalating environmental risks.
The agency has called on governments, businesses and international organizations to accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while expanding climate adaptation measures. UNICEF argues that policies focused on child-centred infrastructure and services can help communities better withstand climate shocks and protect future generations from the worsening effects of global warming. The report serves as a stark reminder that children are among the most vulnerable victims of the climate crisis and that urgent action is needed to secure a safer future for them.
