Half of world’s children exposed to at least three climate hazards, Unicef says

Children in Papua New Guinea swim across river to attend school Half of world’s children exposed to at least three climate hazards, Unicef says Almost every child, including those from high-income countries, is now exposed to at least one hazard Half of the world’s children are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards threatening their health, education and survival, according to a Unicef report. Globally, children face increasing threats from heatwaves, storms, floods and droughts as the climate crisis worsens, with more than one billion facing at least three of these at once. Striking footage released by the UN agency shows children in Papua New Guinea swimming across a crocodile-filled river to get to school after a vital footbridge washed away during heavy rains and was not replaced. View image in fullscreen Hundreds of children make the journey across the Kemp Welch river every day. Photograph: Roan Paul/Unicef Lorna, 15, is one of those who has to swim across the Kemp Welch river in Launkalana, in the Rigo district of Papua New Guinea, to get to school. The community owns a few small boats, according to Unicef staff who visited, but the youngest children are prioritised. “During our periods, our elders do not allow us to cross the river to attend our classes as they think it will attract crocodiles … My dream is to become a teacher or pilot. We want a new bridge so we can go to school safely every day,” Lorna said. According to Unicef, the community has been unable to raise funds to replace the bridge, which washed away in 2012, and is faced with increasing challenges further exacerbated by the climate crisis. View image in fullscreen Lorna, who has to swim across a river to get to school each day, dreams of becoming a teacher or pilot when she grows up. Photograph: Roan Paul/Unicef Lorna’s headteacher, Charlie Vali David, said the loss of the bridge was taking a huge toll on the community. “During monsoon season, heavy currents, dead trees and debris block the river – causing injury and death,” he said. “Many children fall sick from the cold, dirty river water. That creates a learning gap. Especially for the females.” The Children’s Climate Risk Report found rising temperatures and extreme weather are putting more stress on infrastructure, and warned that key roads and bridges are being hit, with dire consequences for the local community. It found that almost every child around the world, including those from high-income countries, is now exposed to at least one hazard, while 123,000 experience more than six in their lifetimes. “The lives of children continue to be upended by the impact of heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and floods,” said Unicef’s executive director, Catherine Russell. “Half of the world’s children are now living with at least three overlapping climate threats shaping their daily lives.” View image in fullscreen Millions of children in Italy are exposed to prolonged heatwaves or drought. Photograph: Anadolu Ag