Drought, extreme heat and heatwaves have emerged as the most widespread combination of climate-related hazards threatening millions of children around the world, according to a newly released report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026 found that approximately 1.1 billion children are currently exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, putting their health, education and overall wellbeing at risk.
“The lives of children continue to be upended by the impact of heatwaves, wildfires, droughts and floods,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Half of the world’s children are now living with at least three overlapping climate threats shaping their daily lives.”
New report maps multiple climate risks
For the first time, the report identifies where children are facing multiple and overlapping climate threats, how severe these threats are, and the impact they have on essential services that children depend on. It also outlines practical measures governments can take to address these challenges.
According to the report, nearly every child worldwide is exposed to at least one climate hazard, while more than four million children could experience as many as six overlapping threats. The analysis uses the latest available data to assess children's exposure to eight major climate hazards: coastal flooding, droughts, extreme heat, fires, heatwaves, river flooding, sand and dust storms, and tropical storms.
Hundreds of millions face multiple hazards
The findings show that more than 296 million children live in areas affected simultaneously by drought, extreme heat and heatwaves. The second most common combination of threats—drought, extreme heat and tropical storms—affects more than 115 million children globally.
Air pollution and malaria add to the burden
Beyond the eight major climate hazards, the report also examined children's exposure to air pollution and malaria, both of which are highly influenced by climate change.
The data revealed that air pollution impacts almost every child worldwide, while around one billion children are exposed to malaria. These additional risks further increase the vulnerability of children already facing multiple climate-related threats.
Climate change expected to intensify risks
The report warns that without immediate and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, climate hazards will become more frequent and severe. This would place additional pressure on public services and government resources while increasing risks to children's wellbeing.
Africa’s Sahel and parts of asia among hardest-hit regions
Among the regions most severely affected is Africa’s Sahel, where more than four million children face a combination of heatwaves, extreme heat and sand and dust storms.
Children in several Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan, are exposed to a greater number of climate hazards and at higher levels of intensity than anywhere else in the world.
Wealthy nations also face climate risks
The report notes that high-income countries are also vulnerable to climate-related threats. In Italy, for example, more than six million children are exposed to prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions.
However, the country demonstrates how investments in climate adaptation measures can help reduce some of the risks facing children, while also underscoring the need for stronger action as climate impacts continue to worsen.
UNICEF calls for urgent global action
To safeguard children and help communities adapt to environmental changes, UNICEF is urging governments, businesses and other stakeholders to take action in three key areas:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fulfil existing international climate commitments based on scientific evidence.
Strengthen climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and responses to climate-related loss and damage, while ensuring children and essential services are prioritised in national planning and preparedness efforts.
Support meaningful participation of children and young people in climate action through investments in climate education, skills development and stronger protection of children's rights to be heard and involved in decisions affecting their future.
Better Planning Can Protect Future Generations
“This analysis can help governments and decision makers plan better and invest more effectively in resilient services,” UNICEF’s chief said.
“When we strengthen health and education systems and improve infrastructure with children in mind, we protect them from today’s climate threats and help secure their future.
