It is particularly dangerous for young people who live in regions where they are exposed to multiple climate risks and at the same time have insufficient access to safe drinking water or health services and are weakened by chronic malnutrition and disease.
Compared to other countries, children in Germany are less exposed to the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation. But even here, for example, air pollution is above the level recommended by the WHO and in some regions there is a risk of coasts and rivers bursting and flooding. A UNICEF report also showed that 4.1 million children in Germany were exposed to severe heat waves in 2020. With global warming of 2.4 degrees in 2050, nearly all children in Germany will be affected.
Children are particularly at risk
Climate change and associated weather extremes contribute to Spread of malaria and diarrheal diseases or malnutrition to. For children under the age of five, this is often life-threatening. At least 45 million children worldwide already suffer from acute malnutrition.
Compared to adults, children need more food and nutrients in relation to their body weight, are more susceptible to temperature changes, toxic chemicals and disease, and are less able to survive extreme weather events. 1.7 million children lose their lives each year due to avoidable environmental pollution.
