Global climate crisis

Children around the world suffer from the devastating effects of climate change. But together, our global work can help children and their communities respond and adapt—building resilience amidst the climate crisis.

One billion children live in areas where they are extremely high risk from climate change—including water scarcity, air pollution, heat waves, cyclones, flooding and famine.

Almost every child on earth is exposed to at least one major climate and environmental hazards, shocks and stressors.

Climate change seriously harms children’s health and development—increasing their vulnerabilities to infections, malnutrition, poor mental health, lack of quality education and even abuse.

Climate change around the world

While climate change is a global crisis, it impacts different regions in dramatically different ways.

In parts of Africa, prolonged, severe drought devastates crops, kills livestock and destroys livelihoods—worsening hunger and forcing millions to migrate in search of food, water and economic opportunities.

In contrast, increased rainfall in Bangladesh and India cause catastrophic flooding that damages homes, businesses and schools, often displacing families from their communities due to destroyed homes or source of employment.

Meanwhile, rising global temperatures leads to rising sea levels, and cities like Miami and New Orleans are left vulnerable to increased flooding and storm surges. And in Australia and the western United States, extreme heat fuels longer, more intense wildfire seasons.

The devastating impact of climate change on children

Although climate change affects everyone, children are most vulnerable in the climate crisis. Climate change threatens a child’s physical health, access to quality education and more.

Climate change and physical health

Since children’s bodies and immune systems are still developing, they are more susceptible to illness, diseases and pollution. Research shows that 90% of the diseases associated with climate change are suffered by children under five.

As well as creating new health risks, climate change also exacerbates existing ones—including malnutrition. It’s estimated 36 million children were acutely malnourished in 2024, and due to climate change, it’s estimated that 24 million more children will be undernourished by 2050.

Climate change and education

In 2024, climate crises disrupted at least 242 million children’s education with extreme weather events like heatwaves, storms and floods—and this isn’t including children who are unable to attend school due to extreme poverty worsened by climate-related events.

How you can help children now

Join the SOS Guardians

Join the SOS Guardians and your compassionate monthly support will shield children in crisis worldwide. Your commitment delivers life-saving aid in the hardest to reach places when and where children need you most. 

Become a Guardian today

Donate to the Children in Crisis Fund

Children affected by emergencies need immediate aid to escape the devastating effects of hunger, violence and family separation. Your gift to the Children in Crisis Fund saves lives—providing food, shelter and psychological care to the most vulnerable.

Donate now

The climate crisis threatens millions of children’s lives

The climate crisis threatens millions of children’s lives

Global climate crisis

Climate change around the world