In the bustling cities and remote villages of our world, a silent crisis is unfolding—one that imperils the most vulnerable among us: children. Climate change, with its far-reaching impacts on the environment, is increasingly recognized as a grave threat to global health especially on children. From the scorching heat waves that sweep across continents to the insidious spread of vector-borne diseases, the changing climate poses a myriad of threats to the health and well-being of our youngest generation.
The health impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, with climate-related hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires being linked to serious health problems. Among these are anemia, eclampsia, and low birth weight, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Moreover, according to researchers, the risk of preterm birth will increase by 60% as susceptible to extreme temperatures resulting from climate change.
The study also raised concerns about the future, noting that a child born today will likely experience higher levels of air pollution, largely driven by fossil fuel emissions and exacerbated by increasing global temperatures.
On the other hand, the escalating temperatures and accompanying environmental shifts intensify the impact of diseases on children and elevate their risk of exposure. For instance, the habitats of mosquitoes carrying diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever are anticipated to expand, exposing new populations to these diseases.
Air pollution contributes to 20% of newborn deaths globally, with many attributed to complications of low birth weight and preterm birth. Thousands of children under the age of 5 die prematurely each year due to lower respiratory infections caused by air pollution from burning fossil fuels. Additionally, carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change, stimulates more pollen production in plants, exacerbating seasonal allergies. Warming temperatures have also led to earlier springs and longer growing seasons for many allergenic plants.
When it comes to mental health, children are particularly vulnerable to the trauma caused by major storms and fires, which can result in the destruction of homes, displacement of families, and disruption of education due to damage or destruction of schools. This can lead to increased rates of anxiety and post-traumatic stress among children. Furthermore, the stress experienced during childhood can have long-term health implications, potentially contributing to illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and cognitive decline later in life.
As the climate changes, rising temperatures and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. These changes can have serious implications for food safety, as higher temperatures can lead to an increased risk of foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens like listeria and toxoplasma.
Millions of children around the world lack access to essential determinants of health, such as clean air, safe water, sanitation, affordable and nutritious food, and adequate shelter. These are fundamental rights that are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child violated due to climate change impacts.
Children deserve every chance to achieve their full potential, but climate change threatens their health, particularly for disadvantaged children who may already be at risk. As weather patterns shift and temperatures increase, the spread of vector-borne diseases, harmful air pollutants, and food insecurity also rise, posing significant health challenges.
