If we don’t take action

Scientists agree that we urgently need to make changes to how we live and exploit the Earth’s resources. Otherwise this may lead to major problems around the world. Here are some examples of what can happen and the resulting negative impact on children’s rights:

Extreme weather

Heat and extreme weather, as well as drought, flooding and natural disasters, affect everyone on the planet. However, children in poor and already hot countries are hit hardest of all. (See pages 14–15, 52–56, 58–65 and 91–92.)

Hunger

If climate change is not halted, this will result in poorer harvests, and shortages of food and water. If so, the number of hungry and malnourished children may increase by 20–25 million by 2050.

War and con�lict

Inequality and poverty increase the risk of violence and war. This affects children in poorer countries in particular, and especially girls.

Refugee crisis

Many children have to leave their homes when villages and towns become uninhabitable due to everything from extreme heat to flooding. Children’s schooling and health are affected, and families may be separated. Climate change can also lead to conflicts over resources, which may force many people to flee their homes.

Economic crisis

Poor children get sicker and go hungry, and sometimes end up homeless. Children in highincome countries are negatively affected too. More children will need to work instead of going to school, and girls’ education suffers the most.

Disease

As the Earth heats up, diseases like malaria and dengue fever, as well as waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea, spread more rapidly to more areas of the world. More children get sick and die prematurely.