In it World Children’s Daythe United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and the non-governmental organization, Save the Children, called for greater protection for minor victims of climate crises.
Unicef Spain stressed the need to protect the thousands of children who DANA hit the country, emphasizing the need to ensure their safe return to the classrooms. In addition, the organization warned that the number of minors affected by extreme heat waves and floods around the world will multiply eight-fold by 2050.
While Save the Children highlighted that the torrential rains in the Valencian Community only expose the urgency of having “a contingency plan in the face of national and regional climate emergencies that cover the needs of boys and girls.”
Through a report titled ‘The State of the World’s Children 2024: the future of children in a changing world’, it was warned that the future of childhood is at risk if appropriate measures to protect their rights against climate phenomena.
The document added that the impact of the meteorological catastrophes It will depend on different factors such as age, health, socioeconomic situation and access to resources. Children with access to safe shelters, cooling infrastructure, healthcare and clean water will be more likely to survive disasters than those without these resources.
Likewise, it was concluded that in the future there will be eight times more children exposed to extreme heat waves, three times more to river floods and almost twice as many to wildfires compared to the 2000s.
Gustavo Suárez-Pertierra, president of the Spanish body, mentioned that “an example of a catastrophe aggravated by the climate change “It is the DANA that has hit our country in recent days.”
“We are especially attentive to those 163 thousand children who reside in the municipalities affected by the floods in the Valencian Community; “They need to return to school as soon as possible, guaranteeing their safety and emotional well-being after the great trauma they have suffered,” he concluded.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Climate Child Rights Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today for this important discussion on World Children’s Day. We’re here with Dr. Sofia Martinez, an expert in child rights related to climate crises. Dr. Martinez, to start, why is it vital that we pay attention to the needs of children when it comes to climate change?
Dr. Sofia Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to prioritize children in climate discussions because they are often the most vulnerable and least equipped to cope with environmental shocks. Climate-induced events such as floods, heat waves, and other disasters not only threaten their physical safety but also their access to education, healthcare, and even basic nutrition.
Editor: Unicef has highlighted the alarming rise in the number of child victims due to climate crises, predicting an eight-fold increase by 2050. What does this statistic mean for the future of our children?
Dr. Martinez: It’s a stark reminder that climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s fundamentally a children’s rights issue. By 2050, we could see millions more children affected by extreme weather events. This could lead to disrupted education systems and increased health problems, creating a generational cycle of poverty and instability. It’s imperative that we act now to mitigate these effects and prepare robust support systems for our younger generations.
Editor: Speaking of actions, Save the Children has called for more effective contingency plans at both national and regional levels. What should these plans include to better protect children during climate emergencies?
Dr. Martinez: Contingency plans should be comprehensive and tailored to the specific contexts of regions most at risk. They need to ensure not only immediate relief but also long-term strategies for recovery. This includes setting up emergency shelters that are child-friendly, ensuring access to continuous education even during crises, and prioritizing mental health support to help children cope with trauma. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities is crucial for these plans to be effective.
Editor: Given recent events, such as the torrential rains affecting the Valencian Community, how can communities better prepare for such climate emergencies to ensure children’s safety and well-being?
Dr. Martinez: Communities need to engage in proactive measures like developing early warning systems that notify families of impending crises. This can be coupled with community education programs that train families on how to respond during emergencies. Schools can play a vital role, not just as places of learning, but as hubs for community resilience. Integrating climate education into school curriculums can empower children to become advocates for their own safety and well-being.
Editor: What role can international organizations like Unicef play in supporting these initiatives on a global scale?
Dr. Martinez: International organizations like Unicef are instrumental in providing resources, expertise, and advocacy. They can facilitate the sharing of best practices across countries and support local organizations in implementing effective programs. Furthermore, they can champion the rights of children in international climate negotiations, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and considered in policy-making processes.
Editor: As we conclude, what message would you like to share with our readers about the importance of protecting children in the face of climate change?
Dr. Martinez: I want to emphasize that every individual has a role to play in safeguarding children’s futures. It’s critical to recognize that climate change disproportionately affects our youngest and most vulnerable. By advocating for their rights, supporting community resilience efforts, and holding our leaders accountable, we can create a safer world for children today and in the years to come. Together, we can make a difference.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that we all have a part to play in ensuring a safer future for our children amid the challenges posed by climate change.