Save children from climate extremes

Governments in South Asia, a region which is highly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, must integrate child welfare into climate policies

- PRIYANKA TOMAR NEETHI RAO

LAST SUMMER, RECORD-BREAKING temperatures, soaring above 50 degrees in some regions, were observed across South Asia including in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. The extreme heat triggered widespread health alerts, prompting governments to issue medical advisories and warn citizens about health risks. This was followed by devastating torrential rain in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India in June-September. The region also saw landslides, storms, earthquakes, droughts, and cold waves. This year, heatwave warnings have been issued for many parts, including India. These are not isolated, standalone incidents but part of an ever-growing crisis, potentially jeopardising the prospects of our future generations.

According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2020, six of the eight South Asian countries—Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan—ranked among the top 25 nations that suffered substantial human and economic losses due to climate change-related extreme weather events between 1999 and 2018. The Emergency Events Database reveals that since 2000 South Asia has experienced over 1,000 natural hazards, with India bearing the brunt.

Children are especially vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. Unicef's Children Climate Risk Index 2021 highlights that all South Asian countries are at high risk, with Pakistan and Afghanistan ranking among the top 15 economies most affected by climate vulnerabilities. The combination of high child mortality rates and systemic socio-economic challenges, including poverty and limited access to healthcare, exacerbates the plight of children.