A hidden issue of great concern is the plight of children as the world struggles with climate change. Unicef’s new report, The Climate Changing Child, paints a disturbing picture. According to Unicef’s 2021 Climate Risk Index for Children, which is the basis for this research, one billion children worldwide are at extremely high risk from the effects of climate disaster. Many Pakistani youth whose hopes have diminished due to environmental degradation and climate-induced disasters are also included in this staggering statistic. Water scarcity is a major concern in this disaster. By 2022, 739 million children face high or extremely high water scarcity, and 436 million live in places with high or extremely water vulnerability. By 2022, 739 million children face high or extremely high water scarcity, and 436 million live in places with high or extremely water vulnerability. These statistics underscore the need for rapid action in Pakistan, which faces serious water challenges. Additionally, education, which is a fundamental right, is being disrupted due to climate change. 40 million children worldwide miss school each year due to climate-related disasters, disrupting their long-term development and growth. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to environmental risks such as pollution, harsh weather and malnutrition. They are particularly vulnerable because of their growing immune systems, lungs, and brains. The fact that this problem affects both high- and low-income countries shows how global the problem is. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the needs of children in efforts to combat climate change. Child-focused initiatives receive just 2.4 percent of climate funding; This is a deficiency that has a great impact on the development of our young generation. As COP28 approaches, it is critical to put children back at the center of our climate plans and policies. Pakistan, like everyone else, needs to commit to providing children with a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. This requires tailoring services, modifying school systems to withstand climate adversities, and incorporating children’s needs and rights into the UN’s climate framework. While we fight against climate change, we must not forget to protect the future of our children. Elevating their voices and needs in the climate discourse is morally and environmentally necessary, as well as environmentally vital. We will fail our children in the deepest sense of the word.
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