Which countries have the highest number of children exposed to three or more climate risks?

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Countries with the Highest Number of Children Exposed to Three or More Climate Risks

Unicef's analysis indicates that over one billion children globally are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards. This assessment was derived by cross-referencing data on child populations with the geographical distribution of eight common climate impacts, including coastal flooding, river flooding, drought, tropical storms, heat waves, extreme heat, wildfires, and sandstorms. The report highlights that countries with substantial child populations, such as Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, are among those with the highest absolute numbers of children facing a confluence of at least three climate risks.
Significant Child Population Exposure to Multiple Hazards

The report identifies that approximately 1.1 billion children are exposed to a minimum of three climate risks. Among these, a combination of drought, extreme heat exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, and heat waves affects an estimated 296 million children. Within this specific group, Nigeria accounts for 74 million children, Pakistan for 34 million, and India for 32 million. These figures underscore the substantial burden carried by these populous nations.
Concentration of Risks in Specific Regions

While countries like Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan lead in the sheer number of children affected by three or more hazards, the proportion of children exposed is particularly high in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially within the Sahel region. This regional concentration points to a widespread vulnerability among the youngest populations in these areas due to the pervasive nature of climate impacts.
Vulnerability Beyond Large Populations

Beyond countries with large child populations, the report also flags specific vulnerabilities in regions like the Sahel and 39 island states. In Chad, for instance, over 95 percent of children face at least three climate hazards, representing one of the highest proportions globally. Island nations are identified as particularly susceptible due to challenges such as limited freshwater resources and a reliance on imports, further exacerbating their vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

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Which countries have the highest number of children exposed to three or more climate risks?

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