Islamic Relief Climate Action Policy Paper: Children & Climate ... - ReliefWeb

Islamic Relief Climate Action Policy Paper: Children & Climate Change - World | ReliefWeb

Children are often seen as being the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, but they can also be effective agents of action and contribute to efforts to mitigate and adapt to its impacts.

Children are particularly susceptible to climate change which threatens their physical, social, emotional, intellectual and creative development both directly and indirectly, and are less able to survive disasters caused by extreme weather events.

Children require proper nutrition to support their growth and development and are especially harmed by food shortages and malnutrition. Children are less able to cope with the heat stress, air pollution, and infectious diseases associated with climate change.

Climate change puts children’s rights at risk, seriously restricting healthcare, food, water, clean air, education, participation and protection. Climate induced displacement can disrupt access to these essential services and can lead to increased exposure to violence and exploitation. Economic and social impacts on children and well-being also affect access to education, healthcare and other essential services.

Climate change can also have significant impacts on children’s mental health, including increasing the likelihood of developing anxiety, depression, and stress.

Extreme weather events, displacement, and migration can all contribute to feelings of stress and uncertainty, while also disrupting social support networks.