Climate Change
Over the past two decades, the number of natural disasters has doubled. Not only are there more floods, cyclones and droughts, but their intensity is predicted to increase as a result of climate change.
Each year these disasters affect the lives of millions of families. Over the next decade Save the Children estimates that up to 175 million children per year will suffer the consequences of natural disasters such as cyclones, droughts and floods.
Child Survival
Climate change is the biggest global health threat to children in the 21st century.
Without concerted action, millions of children will be at increased risk from disease, malnutrition AND water scarcity. No one will be immune to the effects of climate change but it will be children under the age of five, living in the world’s poorest countries and communities who are likely to be most affected.
Save the Children has launched a new report Feeling the Heat: Climate Change and Child Survival which addresses the effects climate change will have on children.
Find out more and read the report
Reducing Risks, Saving Lives
Save the Children has led the way to support children and their communities to address the sort of threats posed by climate change.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is any activity that helps people prepare for, reduce the impact of, or prevent disasters. These activities can be policies, strategies and practices that are developed and applied to minimise vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society.
Save the Children has pioneered child-centred DRR. We encourage children to play a key role in assessing the risks they face, helping to draw up emergency preparedness plans and maps, taking part in drills and evacuation simulation activities and raising awareness about risks amongst their peers and adults in their community.
See more on Save the Children's approach to DRR
Voices from disasters
Voices from Kenya: Abdullahi
Voices from Myanmar: Nyi's Story
Voices from Sierra Leone: Salimatu's Story
Voices from Niger: Maria's Story