The Case for Children
Least responsible but most impacted
Despite being the least responsible for climate change, young children will be the ones facing the greatest impacts of climate change.
Damage begins in-utero
Children’s health outcomes linked to climate and environmental hazards begin in-utero. Maternal exposure to climate and environmental stressors such as air pollution and heat, has an impact on the unborn child, increasing the odds of preterm and stillbirth. For example, the Zika virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, has little impact on adults but can cause serious birth defects to the fetus.
Children are more susceptible than adults
Relative to their body mass, children breathe, eat and drink more than adults. However, their bodies, brains and immune systems are not fully developed. Low levels of environmental exposure that may be tolerable for adults can have detrimental effects on children.
Infants and young children are more susceptible to heat illness than adults because they may have less effective thermoregulation, higher metabolic rates and can more rapidly become dehydrated. Children are more susceptible to a wide range of infections and diseases.
Behavior of young children increases their exposure
Young children are prone to crawling and hand-to-mouth behavior, usually without handwashing. This can lead to them accidentally ingesting and being in contact with environmental pollutants present in soil, air and water. With regards to air pollution, young children also tend to be active and are closer to the ground, where air and dust particles are more concentrated.
Most brain development occurs before the age of 5 years
Most brain development happens before the age of 5, and toxic chemicals like lead and mercury can directly affect brain growth and IQ. From a less direct perspective, climate-induced shocks, conflicts and migration can lead to increased adversity and toxic stress. Neurological impact can result in lifelong problems that can have repercussions on economic success and social equity.
Young children lack the strength and endurance to survive a disaster
Young children are extremely vulnerable during a climate related disaster; they lack the strength and endurance to survive rough conditions. Infants and young toddlers are not physically able to escape a disaster or a dangerous situation and are completely reliant on their caregivers.
Children’s access to essential services is disrupted due to Climate Change
Climate change will also impact access to children’s access to key essential services in health, education, water and sanitation, nutrition, and protection. For example, during the 2024 heatwave, schools in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines were closed for several weeks, forcing children to stay indoors, depriving them not only of learning opportunities but also of essential playtime.
Emotional and mental health impacts will be long-lasting
Research has also shown that the increased uncertainties and economic hardships caused by climate change leads to adults being more violent and abusive with children. The physical, emotional, and mental health effects experienced by young children due to climate and environmental threats are likely to have long-lasting impacts, hindering their ability to reach their full potential throughout their lives.