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Africa’s children are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, yet they are “sadly” being overlooked when it comes to the funding needed to help them adapt, survive and respond to the climate crisis, says a new report released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The UN agency classified children in 48 of 49 African countries as being at “high or very high risk” of climate change impacts, based on their exposure to climate and environmental shocks such as hurricanes and heat waves, and their vulnerability to these shocks.
“Children in the Central African Republic, Chad, Nigeria, Guinea, Somalia and Guinea-Bissau are most at risk,” UNICEF said in the report.
The report also shows that only 2.4% of multilateral climate finance can be classified as supporting activities for children, equivalent to an average of about US$71 million per year, while this figure rises to only 6.6% of financing when youth are included.
“It is clear that the youngest members of African society are bearing the brunt of the severe impacts of climate change and are least able to adapt due to their physiological vulnerabilities and limited access to basic social services,” said Ms. Lake Fan Deville, UNICEF Deputy Director for Eastern and Southern Africa. “We need to focus more on providing funding to this group so that they are equipped to cope with the disruptions to their lives caused by climate change.”
In its report, UNICEF noted that while almost all countries have made significant progress in providing basic services, persistent challenges exacerbate children’s vulnerabilities, including limited access to high-quality health and nutrition services, shortages of drinking water and sanitation and health services, limited access to quality education, and high levels of poverty.
The UN agency released the report ahead of the Africa Climate Summit, which begins next Monday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
Policymakers, business leaders and environmental activists from across the continent are expected to discuss ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the growing impacts of the climate crisis.
UNICEF says children and young people play a vital role in long-term change and sustainable development, so their ideas, creativity and skills must be taken seriously and become part of the solution to the climate crisis.
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