In July 2023, the world witnessed a staggering 11.2 million births, coinciding with the hottest month ever recorded on Earth, according to Save the Children. This milestone serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges children face in a world impacted by the escalating climate crisis. As soaring temperatures and extreme weather events threaten decades of progress in children’s rights and wellbeing, urgent action is needed to curb global warming and protect the future generations.
IMPACT OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS ON CHILDREN
With the planet experiencing unprecedented environmental risks and soaring temperatures, young lives are gravely affected. Pregnant women, in particular, face increased vulnerability during heat waves, with premature birth and stillbirth linked to high temperatures, even in the early stages of pregnancy.
UNPRECEDENTED BIRTHS RECORDS BROKEN
July 2023 witnessed several alarming records being broken, making it a pivotal month in the battle against climate change. The 6th of July was marked as the hottest day ever recorded globally, while Antarctic sea ice levels reached a record low. These events followed the world’s hottest June on record, coupled with extreme marine heat waves during May, June, and July.
CHILDREN’S FUTURE AT STAKE
Research conducted in collaboration with the Vrije Universiteit Brussels highlights the distressing reality that today’s children will face a future marred by seven times as many heat waves, twice as many wildfires, and three times as many crop failures compared to their grandparents’ generation. Lower-income countries and those already grappling with poverty and discrimination will bear the brunt of these impacts, with countries like Afghanistan and Mali projected to face alarming levels of heat waves and crop failures.
THE HOPE FOR A 1.5C WORLD
Limiting global warming to 1.5C is crucial, as it could significantly alleviate the burden on future generations. The research suggests that adherence to this target would reduce newborns’ lifetime exposure to heat waves by 45%, droughts by 39%, river floods by 38%, crop failures by 28%, and wildfires by 10%.
BIRTHS; APPEALING FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
Save the Children calls upon world leaders to take swift and decisive action to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Such measures are vital to mitigate the impact of dangerous extreme weather events on children’s lives and secure their rights and wellbeing.
Kelley Toole, Global Head of Climate Change at Save the Children, stresses the urgency of the situation. The window of opportunity to act and secure a brighter future for children is narrow. Leaders must act promptly to phase out fossil fuels, curb rising temperatures, and prioritize children’s rights, needs, health, and security. Additionally, climate finance and funding arrangements must place children’s interests and voices at the forefront to achieve meaningful and lasting change, Toole said.
