Extreme heat poses significant risks to children's neurodevelopment and mental health, increasing their vulnerability to diseases like malaria.

David Knaute, a UNICEF climate specialist, stresses the urgent need for government intervention to combat rising heat exposure affecting children.

Days with extreme heat, defined as temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F), have significantly increased children's exposure over the past 60 years.

UNICEF calls on governments to reduce carbon emissions to mitigate rising temperatures and protect vulnerable children, who are disproportionately affected by climate change.

In 2024, extreme heat has disrupted education, with at least 80 million children losing school days due to heat-related closures.

In West and Central Africa, 123 million children, or 39% of the region's youth, experience average temperatures exceeding 35°C for about one-third of the year.

In Mali, temperatures surpass 35°C for over 200 days annually, with many residents lacking access to air conditioning and facing frequent power outages.

UNICEF reported that current young generations are suffering more from high temperatures than their predecessors, highlighting the need for immediate action.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, urges global governments to adopt ambitious climate plans that protect today's children and future generations.

UNICEF advocates for better education for parents on heat-related illnesses, improved training for healthcare workers, and investment in air conditioning in schools.

Children are particularly vulnerable to heat stress due to their physiological differences, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Lily Caprani highlights that most climate policies overlook children's needs, despite them being the least responsible for the climate crisis they face.