After a year of record-breaking temperatures, it is important to understand how extreme heat affects children
2024 was the warmest year on record at about 1.55°C above pre-industrial level and this summer we are seeing temperatures soar again to unprecedented levels across Europe, the Americas and Africa. As a result, children, especially those suffering from poverty, inequality and discrimination are being disproportionately affected.
We stand side by side with children in the world's toughest places.
According to a research report released by Save the Children in partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Born into the Climate Crisis II found that 100 million children born in 2020 will face unprecedented lifetime exposure to extreme heat unless we limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Here are 5 ways extreme heat is impacting children:
1. EXTREME HEAT DISRUPTS CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
Heatwaves have led to schools closing around the world.
Even when children can go to school, the heat can affect their concentration. Research shows that students have lower levels of achievement during hot school years.
Sreyvatey, 14, at her school on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia. Linh Pham / Save the Children Linh Pham / Save the Children
2. EXTREME HEAT PUTS CHILDREN’S HEALTH AT RISK
Extreme heat can cause severe dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke.
The more that children are exposed to extreme heat, the greater they are at risk of respiratory disease, kidney disease and other health hazards.
3. EXTREME HEAT LEADS TO HUNGER
Extreme heat is leading to crop failures and the death of livestock.
This makes food more scarce and pushes up prices meaning many children and their families cannot get the nutrition they need.
4. EXTREME HEAT STOPS CHILDREN FROM BEING ABLE TO PLAY
Heatwaves force children to stay inside to keep cool, stopping them from going outside to play.
This prevents them from being able to do activities critical to their physical and mental development, such as physical exercise, sports, and playing with friends.
Atika, 12, playing football with her friends at her school in drought-affected East Sumba, Indonesia. Ulet Ifansasti / Save the Children Ulet Ifansasti / Save the Children
5. EXTREME HEAT CAUSES CHILDREN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS
Feeling the effects of the climate crisis can badly impact the mental health of children all over the world.
Research has shown that children and young people are worried about the future they will inherit, which they say is negatively affecting their daily life and functioning.
