UNICEF: new report on the effects of climate change on children in Africa
A new UNICEF report entitled “Time to act: African Children in the Climate Change Spotlight” found that children living in Africa are more impacted by climate change’s risks and are lacking the financial means that could help them adapt, survive and face the climate crisis. This is mainly caused by their exposure and high vulnerability to cyclones, heatwaves and other highly impacting climate and environmental phenomena. Children are more vulnerable than adults, and they should be protected, also by including them in the process of finding climate solutions and developing policies.
The additional issue is represented by the low financial means intended to mitigate the consequences of the climate crisis. Only 2.4% of the worldwide funding is directed towards initiatives benefiting children and dealing with climate consequences on them. The average annual allocation for such projects amounts to a mere $71 million.
Some solutions are being developed, primarily focused on supporting community resilience to withstand climate change’s effects. Furthermore, migration and human mobility in Africa must be discussed to create new solutions. A crucial event for discussing these issues was the Africa Climate Summit 2023, from September 4 to September 6, which took place within the Africa Climate Week 2023. The Summit led to the adoption of The African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.