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Marrakech – A new analysis by UNICEF reveals that 466 million children worldwide – one in five – now live in areas experiencing at least twice as many extremely hot days annually compared to just 60 years ago.
This stark increase in exposure to extreme heat poses significant risks to children’s health and well-being.
The study, released on August 14, compares temperature data from the 1960s to the 2020-2024 period. It defines extremely hot days as those exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that “the hottest summer days now seem normal. Extreme heat is increasing, disrupting children’s health, well-being and daily routines.”
The analysis shows that children in West and Central Africa face the highest exposure to extremely hot days.
In this region, 123 million children – 39% of the overall child population – now experience temperatures above 35°C for more than one-third of the year.
Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Sudan are particularly affected, with children enduring over 195 extremely hot days annually.
In 16 countries, children now experience more than a month of additional extremely hot days compared to the 1960s.
South Sudan, for example, has seen an increase from 110 to 165 extremely hot days per year.
The impact of extreme heat on children is multifaceted.
Heat stress can lead to various health issues, including malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases like malaria and dengue. It also affects neurodevelopment, mental health, and overall well-being.
Russell emphasized in the report the dire impacts this has on children’s health. “Children are not little adults. Their bodies are far more vulnerable to extreme heat. Young bodies heat up faster, and cool down more slowly.”
The analysis also highlights the increasing frequency, severity, and duration of heatwaves globally.
In 100 countries, more than half of children are experiencing twice as many heatwaves today as 60 years ago.
UNICEF is calling for urgent action from governments and the private sector. As countries prepare to submit new national climate plans (NDC 3.0), UNICEF urges leaders to take action.
First, the UN organization asserts they should reduce emissions and meet international climate change targets.
Second, these countries need to protect children by adapting essential services to withstand climate-related challenges.
Lastly, UNICEF stresses the importance of empowering children with education and skills to become environmental advocates themselves.
“As governments are currently drafting their national climate action plans, they can do so with the ambition and knowledge that today’s children and future generations will have to live in the world they leave behind,” Russell concluded.
Read also: Study: Heat Caused Nearly 50,000 Deaths in Europe in 2023
