A report on July 27, by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) shows that about 92 mn children in Europe and Central Asia, nearly half of all children in the region, are exposed to extreme heat. This figure is twice the global average, making children particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat waves.
“Countries in the Europe and Central Asia region are feeling the heat of the climate crisis, with the health and well-being of children hit hardest,” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.
Young children, especially infants, are at the highest risk as their body temperature rises faster than that of adults. Heat waves increase the likelihood of serious illnesses in children and can hinder their focus and concentration during activities.
The report predicts that, under the most conservative scenario, with a temperature increase of 1.7 degrees Celsius by 2050, all children in Europe and Central Asia will be exposed to extreme heat. Heat waves are expected to occur more frequently in the region, with Central Asia experiencing a 30% increase in their frequency over the past 60 years.
UNICEF urgently calls on governments in Europe and Central Asia to take action and increase their funding for climate change adaptation measures by 2025. Building resilience to chronic heat exposure is crucial, particularly in densely populated urban areas where heat waves can have severe impacts. The availability of tree canopy, street design, and housing density all play significant roles in determining the level of city heating and vulnerability to extreme heat events.
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