The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that more than 8.8 million children in Afghanistan are exposed to climate-related risks.
UNICEF reported on Tuesday, June 16, that out of nearly 21 million children in Afghanistan, 8.8 million, or 41 percent, are simultaneously exposed to at least three climate hazards.
According to the report, floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme temperatures, and sand and dust storms are among the main threats affecting children across the country.
The organization added that Afghanistan ranks highest in South Asia for children’s vulnerability to climate change.
More than 75 percent of children in Afghanistan are exposed to drought conditions, while over half experience prolonged heatwaves. Additionally, more than 1.7 million children are affected by river flooding.
UNICEF also warned that acute malnutrition is worsening the impact of the climate crisis. Millions of children under the age of five are expected to require treatment for malnutrition this year.
