Children’s Rights Undermined as Extreme Weather Affects Millions Globally

Approximately one in eight children globally have been significantly affected by extreme weather events this year, with 300 million impacted. Key events include severe flooding, droughts, and storms that have forced children out of school and led to humanitarian assistance needs. The urgency to prioritize children’s rights and welfare in climate response discussions at the COP29 summit is emphasized by Save the Children.

Recent analysis by Save the Children reveals that approximately one in eight children worldwide, equating to around 300 million young individuals, have been significantly affected by the ten most severe extreme weather events throughout 2024. These events have led to children fleeing their homes, relying on humanitarian aid, or missing educational opportunities. As leaders from around the globe prepare for the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, it is imperative that discussions prioritize the voices and rights of these vulnerable youth, especially those in low- and middle-income countries. The extreme weather events that have impacted children this year include Tropical Storm Trami in the Philippines, which led to the closure of schools for nearly 19.5 million children, and unprecedented droughts in Southern Africa affecting 12.2 million children. Furthermore, devastating flooding in West and Central Africa has forced 10 million children out of school, and a severe heatwave in South Asia has disrupted the education of 256 million individuals. The effects of these crises underscore the need for urgent climate action and support directed towards children who face the brunt of such disasters. Save the Children’s report emphasizes that global leaders must integrate children’s rights and experiences into COP29 discussions, particularly regarding climate finance and adaptation plans. Zinhle, a 14-year-old from Zimbabwe, and Kyariyam, a 12-year-old from Nigeria, illustrate the profound effects of these extreme weather events, as both have experienced significant disruption to their education and livelihoods due to climate-induced crises. As climate change intensifies, these stories reflect a pressing need for equitable support mechanisms for affected children.

The article addresses the alarming impacts of extreme weather events on children across the globe, emphasizing the data presented by Save the Children regarding how climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities. The recent analysis reveals that a significant portion of the world’s child population has been affected by climate-related disasters, leading to educational disruptions, displacement, and increased reliance on humanitarian assistance. The context also underscores the urgency of including children’s rights and needs in climate response discussions at the upcoming COP29 summit, stressing the inequalities faced by those in lower-income countries. With climate change increasingly impacting extreme weather frequency and severity, prioritizing children’s welfare within climate policies is essential.

In conclusion, the findings presented by Save the Children highlight a critical and often overlooked aspect of climate change—the extensive impact on children worldwide. As the frequency of extreme weather events increases, the associated risks to education, safety, and general well-being for millions of children become more pronounced. It is paramount that world leaders prioritize children’s rights and experiences in their climate change responses, particularly at the COP29 summit, ensuring that the unique vulnerabilities of children are adequately addressed in national and global climate strategies.

Original Source: reliefweb.int