Children in Papua New Guinea swim across a crocodile-filled river to attend school after a footbridge washed away, highlighting a global crisis where half of the world's children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, according to a Unicef report.
Climate Threats to Children
Almost every child worldwide, including those from high-income countries, is now exposed to at least one climate hazard. Half of all children face at least three hazards simultaneously, including heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts, threatening their health, education, and survival.
Striking footage released by Unicef shows children in Papua New Guinea swimming across the Kemp Welch river in the Rigo district to reach school. The footbridge washed away in 2012 and has not been replaced due to lack of funds. Lorna, 15, is among those who must swim daily. During menstruation, elders forbid crossing due to crocodile risks. She dreams of becoming a teacher or pilot and pleads for a new bridge.
Headteacher Charlie Vali David said the loss of the bridge has severe impacts. During monsoon season, heavy currents, dead trees, and debris cause injury and death. Many children fall sick from cold, dirty water, creating learning gaps, especially for girls.
Global Impact
The Children's Climate Risk Report found rising temperatures and extreme weather stress infrastructure, with key roads and bridges affected. Globally, 123,000 children experience more than six climate hazards in their lifetimes. Unicef's executive director, Catherine Russell, stated that children's lives are upended by heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and floods.
Unicef analyzed eight climate hazards: coastal floods, droughts, extreme heat, fires, heatwaves, river floods, sand and dust storms, and tropical storms. The Sahel region in Africa is among the hardest hit, with over 4 million children facing triple threats. Children in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan face more hazards than anywhere else. High-income countries like Italy also suffer, with over 6 million children exposed to prolonged heatwaves and drought.
Unicef called on governments and businesses to reduce emissions and improve climate adaptation, focusing on services children rely on. Russell emphasized that strengthening health and education systems and improving infrastructure with children in mind protects them from today's threats and secures their future.
