How many children face water scarcity worldwide?
Climate change is affecting the planet and children worldwide. A UNICEF report called 'The Climate Changed Child' reveals that one in three children, or 739 million globally, live in areas with high or very high water scarcity. The report also says that climate change might make this problem worse.
Also, the challenge of less water and not enough drinking and sanitation facilities makes the problem more dangerous for children.
What more does the report say?
The report shows that many affected children live in the Middle East, North Africa, and
South Asia. These places have limited water resources, high seasonal changes, and the risk associated with groundwater decline or drought.
Around 436 million children face high or very high water scarcity and low or very low drinking water service levels, also known as extreme water vulnerability. This makes them sick and puts their lives in danger.
The kids in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southern Asia, and Eastern and South-Eastern Asia are the most affected. Countries like Niger, Jordan, Burkina Faso, Yemen, Chad, and Namibia are among the worst affected.
The report also talks about how climate change is making kids sick. The report came out just before the Conference of the Parties (COP) 28 climate change summit, which starts on 30th November 2023 in the United Arab Emirates.
What does the report say about protecting children?
Investments must be made to provide safe drinking water and sanitation services. This will be the first step to protecting children from the effects of climate change. Governments must also provide a healthy environment for the well-being of children.
