In May 2023, a 7-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh collapsed from heat exhaustion after playing outdoors during a severe heatwave. During the thick smog in Delhi in November 2023, hospitals reported a sharp rise in respiratory issues, with many of the affected patients being children under 10 years old. In Assam, during the 2024 monsoon season, devastating floods inundated homes, farms, and entire communities. Hospitals across the flood-affected areas reported a surge in cases of diarrhea, dehydration, and cholera, with children being disproportionately affected.

These recent events are only a snapshot of what is becoming an all-too-familiar pattern: climate-induced extreme weather events and environmental disruptions that are putting children’s lives at risk. Whether it’s heatwaves, smog, or floods, climate change is reshaping the planet in ways that have direct and profound consequences for our youngest generation.

The Vulnerability of Children to Climate Change

Children are not just passive victims of climate change; they are the most vulnerable. Their immune systems are still developing, and they are more susceptible to diseases caused by poor air quality, contaminated water, and extreme temperatures.

Heat Exhaustion and Dehydration: Heatwaves, like the one in Uttar Pradesh, are becoming more frequent and intense. During these heat events, children’s bodies are less able to regulate temperature, leading to an increase in heat exhaustion and dehydration, especially if they don’t have access to adequate hydration and shade.

Respiratory Issues from Pollution: In urban centers like Delhi, poor air quality is a constant threat. The rise in particulate matter and pollutants in the air is causing a significant increase in respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia in children. Inhaling toxic air from car emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal crop burning has long-term health impacts, affecting lung development and overall well-being.

Waterborne Diseases from Flooding: Children are more susceptible to waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea, which spread rapidly in flood-prone areas where sanitation infrastructure is compromised. The rising frequency and severity of floods are not only displacing families but also creating environments ripe for the spread of disease.

While the physical impacts of climate change on children are glaring, the mental health toll is equally concerning. Children growing up in areas prone to climate-induced disasters are often affected with anxiety, trauma, and eco-anxiety. They fear for their futures and witness the destruction of their homes and communities. The psychological distress caused by climate-related disasters is becoming an emerging concern, as children experience stress and depression in the aftermath of extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves.

Action for Children’s Protection in India

Statistics indicate that children are disproportionately affected by climate disasters in India. For example, according to a 2022 report by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, during extreme weather events like floods, children are 2.5 times more likely to be affected by waterborne diseases. Moreover, the 2021 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report highlighted that India is one of the countries where children face the greatest risks from climate change-related heat stress, with young children more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults. These facts underscore the critical need for policies that prioritize the protection of children from the adverse effects of climate change. In India, several policies have been put in place to tackle climate change, though more focused efforts are needed to protect children specifically.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to improve sanitation across the country, indirectly benefiting children by reducing waterborne diseases, but this is not enough given the rising frequency of water contamination due to flooding. The National Disaster Management Policy (NDMP) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana help families affected by droughts and floods. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) aims to guide India’s efforts toward achieving sustainable development while addressing climate change. The NAPCC consists of eight national missions focusing on areas such as sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and renewable energy. However, while the missions of these policies provide a broad strategy for mitigating climate impacts, they do not specifically target children’s vulnerabilities.

Towards Providing Better Environment to Children

Smile Foundation has been playing a key role in bringing sustainable energy solutions to schools, with a focus on solar power. Their solar plant initiatives in schools aim to provide uninterrupted, eco-friendly energy to schools, particularly in rural and remote areas where the power supply is unreliable. These solar-powered systems not only reduce carbon footprints but also ensure that children in these schools have access to lighting, ventilation, and even digital learning tools, regardless of frequent power outages caused by extreme weather events.

As climate change continues to impact the health and well-being of children, it’s crucial for individuals and organizations to act. The time to act is now, not only to protect the health of today’s children but to ensure that future generations inherit a planet that is habitable, resilient, and safe. By working together, we can make a real difference and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.