One in 5 children – or 466 million – live in areas that experience at least double the number of extremely hot days every year compared to just six decades ago, according to a new UNICEF analysis
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the severity of the situation:
“The hottest summer days now seem normal. Extreme heat is increasing, disrupting children’s health, well-being, and daily routines.”
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC INCREASES IN EXTREME HEAT
The report highlights dramatic regional increases in extremely hot days:
- South Sudan: Children now endure an average of 165 extremely hot days annually, up from 110 in the 1960s.
- Paraguay: The number has risen to 71 days from 36.
Globally, West and Central Africa face the highest exposure, with 123 million children—39% of the region’s child population—experiencing an average of at least 95 days above 35 degrees Celsius annually. Notable figures include:
- Mali: 212 days
- Niger: 202 days
- Senegal: 198 days
- Sudan: 195 days
IMPACT ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Extreme heat poses severe risks, especially for children and pregnant women, including:
- Heat Stress: Linked to pregnancy complications such as gestational diseases and adverse birth outcomes.
- Child Malnutrition: Increased vulnerability to heat-related illnesses and infectious diseases like malaria and dengue.
- Neurodevelopment: Negative effects on mental health and cognitive development.
The frequency and severity of heat waves have also surged. Across 100 countries, more than half of children now experience twice as many heat waves as 60 years ago. In the U.S., 36 million children are exposed to double the number of heat waves, and 5.7 million face three times as many.
THE URGENT NEED FOR CLIMATE ACTION
UNICEF is calling for immediate and bold climate action through upcoming Nationally Defined Contributions (NDC 3.0) submissions. The organization advocates for:
- Reducing Emissions: Implement ambitious climate agreements to control rising temperatures.
- Protecting Children: Adapt social services to handle extreme heat, including training health workers and enhancing facility resilience.
- Empowering Youth: Equip children with the skills and knowledge to advocate for environmental sustainability.
UNICEF’s report underscores the urgent need for global climate action to mitigate the severe impacts of rising temperatures on children. As nations prepare their climate action plans, there is a critical opportunity to safeguard the health and future of today’s children.
