By Bisola Adeyemo
Many children around the world are facing the impact of climate and environmental hazards having devastating impacts on their well-being and future.
They face multiple climate-related impacts such as severe drought and flooding, air pollution and water scarcity, leaving the young generations vulnerable to malnutrition and disease.
According to a report by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria is ranked second among African countries where children are exposes to climate and environmental shocks.
The report found that Nigerian children are highly exposed to air pollution and coastal floods, but also that investments in social services, particularly child health, nutrition, and education can make a significant difference in our ability to safeguard their futures from the impacts of climate change.
“The climate crisis is a child’s rights crisis,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative. “Nigeria is not immune to the effects of climate change, but we can act now to prevent it from becoming worse. We need to invest in the services children depend on to survive and thrive – such as water, healthcare, and education to protect their futures from the impacts of a changing climate and degrading environment.”
The report also reveals a disconnect between where greenhouse gas emissions are generated, and where children are enduring the most significant climate-driven impacts.
“The frightening environmental changes we are seeing across the planet are being driven by a few but experienced by many,” said Peter Hawkins. “Children know climate change is a threat to their future, and they are calling on world leaders to act. So far, too little has been done, but we still have time.
“We must urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work as a global community to build a better world for all children.”
Without the urgent action required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, children will continue to suffer the most. Compared to adults, children require more food and water per unit of their body weight, are less able to survive extreme weather events, and are more susceptible to toxic chemicals, temperature changes, and diseases, among other factors.
Children and young people will face the full devastating consequences of the climate crisis and water insecurity, yet they are the least responsible.
Therefore, UNICEF is calling on governments, businesses, and relevant actors to:
•Strive more to provide and educate children with climate education and greens skills, critical for their adaptation to and preparation for the effects of climate change.
•Increase investment in climate adaptation and resilience in key services for children. To protect children, communities, and the most vulnerable from the worst impacts of the already changing climate, critical services must be adapted, including water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, and health and education services.
•Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis, comprehensive and urgent action is required.