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One in Eight Children Impacted by 2024’s Extreme Weather Events

Approximately one in eight children globally are significantly impacted by extreme weather in 2024, according to Save the Children. The COP29 summit in Azerbaijan highlights the need for climate action focused on children’s rights, as severe weather events, including storms and droughts, disrupt lives and education. Testimonies from affected children stress the urgency for global leaders to prioritize their needs and create supportive measures.

Recent analysis from Save the Children reveals that approximately one in eight children globally have been severely affected by the ten most significant extreme weather events occurring throughout the year 2024. This includes children who have been displaced from their homes, reliant on humanitarian assistance, or unable to attend school. As the COP29 summit approaches in Azerbaijan, the organization highlights that about 300 million children, comprising 12.5% of the world’s total child population, faced hardships amid worsening climate conditions characterized by severe storms, droughts, and flooding across several continents, notably in Asia, Africa, and Brazil. Catastrophic events such as Tropical Storm Trami in the Philippines, which closed schools for 19.5 million children, and the unprecedented heatwave in South Asia, which disrupted education for 256 million children, underline the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, the distressing impact of climate change has exacerbated vulnerabilities in lower and middle-income nations, where children are most affected by the ongoing crises. The organization calls for urgent climate action centered around children’s rights and experiences at COP29, emphasizing that insufficient climate finance and support leave the most marginalized youth at risk. Testimonials from affected children, such as Kyariyam from Nigeria and Zinhle from Zimbabwe, poignantly illustrate their struggles and desires for a supportive response from global leaders. Additionally, Save the Children advocates for better incorporation of children into climate finance discussions and solutions aimed at preserving their futures.

The recent report from Save the Children sheds light on the pervasive impact of climate change on children’s lives, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events occur with increasing frequency, millions of children find themselves in precarious situations, facing displacement, hunger, and loss of education. The analysis underscores the need for a child-centered approach to climate discussions, especially during international summits like COP29, where voices from these vulnerable communities can influence critical decisions affecting their future.

The analysis by Save the Children emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge and address the profound consequences of climate change on children worldwide. As extreme weather events become more frequent, immediate action must be taken to prioritize children’s rights and their voices at international climate negotiations. Global leaders must recognize that the challenges posed by climate change constitute not only an environmental crisis but also a significant children’s rights crisis, demanding comprehensive strategies and solutions to protect the most vulnerable populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int

Ethan Kumar is an accomplished news correspondent with a knack for global affairs. With a background in political science from Johns Hopkins University, Ethan has spent the last twelve years reporting from various hotspots around the world. His work has been featured in several prominent publications, where he examines the intersection of politics and human interest stories. His insightful analyses and clear writing have made him a respected voice in the field.

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