Nearly all children globally exposed to at least one climate hazard: Report | Climate Crisis News
UNICEF Report Highlights Climate Hazards Facing Children Globally
Published June 16, 2026
A report by UNICEF reveals that nearly all children worldwide are exposed to at least one climate hazard, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report, released Tuesday, warns that these hazards threaten children’s health, education, and survival, with nearly half facing at least three overlapping challenges.
“The lives of children continue to be upended by the impacts of heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and floods,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director. “Half of the world’s children are now living with at least three overlapping climate threats shaping their daily lives.”
The report underscores the escalating threats of climate change and urges both governments and business leaders to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.
According to UNICEF, approximately 1.8 billion children are at risk from drought, while 1.2 billion are exposed to extreme heat due to disruptions in the world’s water cycle. Recent events in Western Europe highlighted this crisis, as countries experienced record-breaking heatwaves earlier than anticipated.
The report also indicates that almost every child is exposed to air pollution, with about one billion children at risk of malaria.
Scientists caution that global warming must be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels to avert severe consequences of climate change. In pursuit of this goal, nearly 200 countries signed the Paris Agreement, which entered into force in November 2016. However, experts continue to express skepticism about reaching this target.
In January, the United States formally withdrew from the Paris Agreement for the second time under instructions from President Donald Trump, raising further concerns over global efforts to combat climate change.
