UNICEF Report Warns Two Million Cambodian Children Face Severe Climate Risks
Extreme Heat and Flooding Threaten Rural Youth, Urging Government Action
A joint report by UNICEF and Cambodia’s Ministry of the Environment has revealed that nearly two million children in Cambodia are living in areas highly vulnerable to climate change. The Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), published yesterday, highlights that these children face extreme heat, flooding, drought, and mosquito-borne diseases, with rural regions near Tonle Sap Lake and the central plains identified as the most at risk.
The report warns that one-third of Cambodia’s youth are exposed to drought, while almost half endure extreme heat and flood risks, compounded by air pollution levels that exceed World Health Organization guidelines. These environmental threats significantly impact nutrition, hygiene, education, and access to healthcare.
Minister of Environment Dr. Eang Sophalleth emphasized the CCRI's importance as a strategic guide for government agencies to prioritize child protection in climate policies. UNICEF’s Representative in Cambodia, Will Parks, echoed this sentiment, describing the climate crisis as a child rights crisis and calling for immediate, collective action to safeguard Cambodia’s youth.
The report's release coincided with Cambodia signing UNICEF’s Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action at COP 29 in Azerbaijan, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to addressing climate change impacts on children.
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The report warns that one-third of Cambodia’s youth are exposed to drought, while almost half endure extreme heat and flood risks, compounded by air pollution levels that exceed World Health Organization guidelines. These environmental threats significantly impact nutrition, hygiene, education, and access to healthcare.
Minister of Environment Dr. Eang Sophalleth emphasized the CCRI's importance as a strategic guide for government agencies to prioritize child protection in climate policies. UNICEF’s Representative in Cambodia, Will Parks, echoed this sentiment, describing the climate crisis as a child rights crisis and calling for immediate, collective action to safeguard Cambodia’s youth.
The report's release coincided with Cambodia signing UNICEF’s Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action at COP 29 in Azerbaijan, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to addressing climate change impacts on children.
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