Children in Africa are among the most at risk from climate change impacts but are being woefully deprived of the financing necessary to help them adapt, survive and respond to the crisis, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a new report on Friday.
It was released as leaders prepare to meet for the African Climate Summit, taking place next week in Nairobi, Kenya.
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Children in 48 out of 49 African countries assessed were found to be at high or extremely high risk of the impacts of climate change, based on their exposure and vulnerability to cyclones, heatwaves and other climate and environmental shocks, and access to essential services.
Those living in the Central African Republic, Chad, Nigeria, Guinea, Somalia and Guinea-Bissau are most at risk.
Step up funding
Despite this, the report found only 2.4 per cent of global climate funding targets children, with an average value of just $71 million per year.
“It is clear that the youngest members of African society are bearing the brunt of the harsh effects of climate change,” said Lieke van de Wiel, UNICEF Deputy Director for the Eastern and Southern Africa region.
“We need to see a stronger focusing of funding towards this group, so they are equipped to face a lifetime of climate-induced disruptions.”
Challenges and solutions
Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of climate change, UNICEF explained.
They are physically less able to withstand and survive hazards such as floods, droughts, storms and heatwaves and are physiologically more vulnerable to toxic substances such as lead and other forms of pollution.
Furthermore, challenges in ensuring access to quality services in areas such as health and nutrition; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and education, heighten their vulnerability.
At the same time, children and young people are instrumental to long-term change and sustainability, the report said, so they must be part of climate solutions, including policy and financing.
UNEP
Youth gather in Karura forest, Nairobi, in solidarity with the global climate youth marches in March 2019.
Supporting community resilience
Meanwhile, UNICEF and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) are working together on an increasing number of projects that show how communities across Africa can become more climate resilient.
A programme run by UNICEF and partners in the Sahel region focused on action across five sectors including health, nutrition, water, education and protection services.
Communities were empowered to mitigate the effects of climate-related weather events and manage residual risks through participatory planning and comprehensive service delivery.
Furthermore, at least three million vulnerable people, mostly children, now have access to essential services, especially during climate-induced disasters.
In East Africa, a UNEP programme in Tanzania is working to reduce the damaging impact of sea-level rise on infrastructure through investing in seawalls, relocating boreholes, restoring mangrove forests and building rainwater harvesting systems.
As a result, coastal communities are now better able to withstand rising sea-levels. The programme has also led to health improvements for the population through access to safe, clean water.
African Climate Summit
At the African Climate Summit, taking place from 4 to 6 September, leaders from across the continent will highlight the need to push for increased investment in climate action.
Top UN officials including Secretary-General António Guterres and the UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen, will attend alongside over 20 Heads of State and Government and other world leaders, who are expected.
It is taking place during Africa Climate Week, an annual event that brings together representatives from governments, businesses, international organizations and civil society.
Momentum on migration
The Summit represents an unprecedented opportunity to address the increasing impacts of climate change on “human mobility” in Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday.
Last year, more than 7.5 million internal disaster displacements were registered on the continent. IOM cited a 2021 report which warned that without efficient and sustained climate action, up to 105 million people in Africa could become internal migrants by the end of this year.
“We have officially entered the era of climate migration,” said IOM Director General-Elect Amy Pope, stressing the need for urgent solutions.
At the Africa Climate Summit, IOM will officiate over the signing of the ‘Continental, Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration Environment and Climate Change’, known as KDMECC-AFRICA.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
It is undeniable that the African children are the most affected by climate change impacts, yet they are shamefully neglected when it comes to providing the necessary resources to adapt and survive. The global community must prioritize funding for these vulnerable children to ensure their well-being and resilience.
It is clear that the youngest members of African society are bearing the brunt of the harsh effects of climate change. We need to see a stronger focus of funding towards this group, so they are equipped to adapt, survive, and respond to the crisis.
Why are African children receiving such limited financial support to cope with the devastating effects of climate change?
It’s truly disheartening to see the lack of financial support being directed towards African children in the face of the severe impacts of climate change. The statistics highlight the urgent need for increased funding to ensure these vulnerable youngsters can adapt and thrive amidst these challenges.
It is heartbreaking to see that African children are being so severely impacted by climate change effects. They are in urgent need of funding to adapt and survive. Leaders must prioritize supporting these vulnerable children at the upcoming African Climate Summit in Nairobi.
It is clear that the youngest members of African society are bearing the brunt of the harsh effects of climate change. We need to see a stronger focus of funding towards this group, so they are equipped to adapt, survive, and respond to the crisis.
It is clear that the youngest members of African society are bearing the brunt of the harsh effects of climate change. We need to see a stronger focusing of funding towards this group, so they are equipped to adapt, survive, and respond to the crisis. Leaders must take urgent action at the African Climate Summit to address this heartbreaking reality.
Why are children in Africa not receiving the necessary financing to help them adapt to climate change impacts?
Hi JuliaSmith85, unfortunately, the lack of adequate funding for African children to adapt to climate change impacts is a concerning reality. The UNICEF report sheds light on the urgent need for increased support to ensure these vulnerable individuals can effectively respond to the challenges posed by environmental changes. It’s crucial for global leaders to prioritize allocating resources towards safeguarding the future of African youth in the face of this pressing issue.
It is heartbreaking to see that African children are suffering so much due to climate change impacts. They are not getting the support they desperately need to adapt and survive in these dire circumstances. Leaders must allocate more funding specifically for the youngest members of our society. Let’s ensure they are adequately equipped to face the challenges ahead.
It is clear that the youngest members of African society are bearing the brunt of the harsh effects of climate change. We need to see a stronger focusing of funding towards this group, so they are equipped to adapt, survive, and respond to the crisis.
Why are children in Africa not receiving adequate funding to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change? Shouldn’t their well-being be a top priority for global climate initiatives?
Why are children in African countries not receiving the financial support they need to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change?