Climate Crisis Ignites Urgent Call to Protect Africa's Children
At the 2023 Africa Climate Summit, leaders signed the groundbreaking Nairobi Declaration to tackle the continent’s disproportionate climate burden. But one group remains sidelined: children under five. 🌱
A children’s declaration presented to Kenya’s President and the African Union’s chair warned of a ticking time bomb. Kids born in 2020 will face twice as many wildfires, 2.8x more crop failures, and nearly 7x more heatwaves than those born in 1960. Yet, only 2.4% of global climate funding addresses child-specific needs, per UNICEF. 💔
‘Children’s biological vulnerability makes them climate frontline victims,’ say advocates Lynette Okengo and Elizabeth Lule. From malnutrition spikes to toxic pollution, Africa’s youth face cascading threats—especially in regions where poverty collides with climate disasters. 🌀
Despite 98% of African kids living in high-risk zones, solutions like improving water access, healthcare, and education remain underfunded. The clock is ticking: advocates urge world leaders to prioritize child-responsive policies ahead of COP28 and beyond. ⏳
‘Lip service won’t save a generation,’ warns Okengo. ‘Without action, climate plans risk failing Africa’s future.’ 🔥
