A new report from Save the Children shows that the number of children facing severe hunger in countries that are hit hardest by extreme weather has more than doubled in the past five years. The analysis was released as governments meet for a landmark “expert dialogue” on the impacts of climate change on children at UN talks in Bonn, Germany - the precursor to the COP29 summit later this year.
The analysis found that over 33 million children and 39 million adults are in a severe hunger crisis in 18 countries where droughts, cyclones and floods are causing food shortages. The total number of people in this crisis has increased from 29 million in 2018 to 72 million in 2023.
Children are especially affected by food shortages and are at higher risk of dying without enough nutritious food. Climate change affects children in many ways, not just through hunger. For example, extreme heat has recently closed schools in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines and South Sudan. Hunger also forces families to take their children out of school to work. Girls often suffer the most, as they are more likely to be pulled from school, go without food or get married.
The UN Bonn Climate Change Conference on June 4 held its first meeting focused on how climate change impacts children. Save the Children hopes this will lead to more understanding and action to help children affected by climate change.
A family in a rural area of the Somali region in Ethiopia sustains itself by growing crops and raising livestock.
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23 w
This is a clear illustration of how devastating climate change could be. We need to act now.
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31 w
This report is testament of the dire effects of climate change. I hope that this can be mitigated
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31 w
So sad, let's join our efforts together and continue the fight against climate change, together we are the solution
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31 w
Climate change is having a growing impact on the African continent, hitting the most vulnerable the hardest
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32 w
Over 72 million people in hunger crisis because of extreme weather is horrific! These #ClimateImpacts are hitting the most vulnerable the hardest, especially children who need proper nutrition to grow and thrive. Let's all stand together and fight for climate justice.
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32 w
sad, may God send them the help the need