Nearly half of the world’s children are exposed to at least three climate-related hazards, placing their health, education and survival at risk, according to a new report released by UNICEF. The agency warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate further unless urgent action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Published on Tuesday, the report highlighted the increasing impact of extreme weather events and environmental threats on children and called on governments and businesses to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

Children Face Growing Climate Risks

According to the report, almost all children worldwide are exposed to at least one climate hazard, while around half are living with three or more overlapping threats.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said climate-related events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts and wildfires continue to disrupt the lives of millions of children across the world.

She noted that these overlapping risks are increasingly shaping children’s daily lives and affecting their well-being.

Billions of Children Vulnerable to Drought and Heat

The report estimated that 1.8 billion children are currently at risk from drought, while 1.2 billion are exposed to extreme heat as rising temperatures continue to disrupt global weather patterns and water cycles.

UNICEF also warned that nearly every child globally is exposed to air pollution, while approximately one billion children face the risk of malaria.

The organisation said these environmental and health challenges could have far-reaching consequences for children’s development and quality of life.

Recent Heatwaves Highlight Climate Threat

The report comes amid increasing concerns over the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

Several countries in Western Europe experienced record-breaking temperatures last month, with heatwave conditions arriving earlier than typically expected during the summer season.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that rising temperatures are likely to intensify heatwaves, droughts and flooding events in many regions of the world.

1.5°C Target Under Increasing Pressure

Climate scientists have long maintained that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is essential to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change.

Nearly 200 countries signed the Paris Agreement, which came into force in November 2016 and aims to keep temperature increases within that threshold.

However, scientists have increasingly cautioned that achieving the target is becoming more difficult as global emissions remain high.

UNICEF Calls for Faster Transition to Renewable Energy

In its report, UNICEF urged governments and business leaders to accelerate efforts to shift towards renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The agency said rapid action is necessary to protect future generations from escalating climate risks and to ensure that children are not disproportionately affected by environmental crises.

It stressed that stronger policies and investments are required to safeguard children’s health, education and long-term prospects.

US Withdrawal From Paris Agreement Adds to Concerns

The report comes months after the United States formally withdrew from the Paris Agreement for the second time following an order issued by President Donald Trump in January.

The decision renewed concerns among climate experts and environmental groups over the pace of international efforts to tackle global warming.

With climate hazards becoming increasingly widespread, UNICEF warned that urgent global cooperation will be essential to protect billions of children from the growing impacts of climate change.

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