Nearly 500 million children, primarily in West and Central Africa, are enduring more than half a year with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, according to a recent report by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
The new analysis from UNICEF highlights that one in five children, amounting to 466 million, reside in regions experiencing at least double the number of extremely hot days annually compared to six decades ago. This alarming trend underscores the escalating impact of climate change on vulnerable populations.
\"Children are not little adults,\" emphasized UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. \"Their bodies are far more vulnerable to extreme heat. Young bodies heat up faster, and cool down more slowly. Extreme heat is especially risky for babies due to their faster heart rate, so rising temperatures are even more alarming for children.\"
Russell called on governments worldwide to take decisive action to mitigate rising temperatures. As nations develop their national climate action plans, she urged them to consider the future generations who will inherit the consequences of today's environmental policies.
Reference(s):
UNICEF: Nearly 500 m children spend over half year in extreme heat
cgtn.com
