Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
A recent report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicates that approximately 1.1 billion children globally are currently exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, with drought, extreme heat, and heatwaves being the most prevalent trio of threats. These hazards are increasingly disrupting children’s health, education, and survival chances worldwide.
The Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026 maps the intensity and distribution of these climate threats, revealing that almost every child faces at least one hazard. Over 296 million children live in areas exposed simultaneously to drought, extreme heat, and heatwaves, while more than 115 million face the combination of drought, extreme heat, and tropical storms.
Additionally, the report highlights that nearly every child worldwide is exposed to air pollution, and about one billion children are at risk of malaria—both influenced by climate change—compounding the dangers for those already facing multiple hazards.
The report identifies regions severely affected by overlapping hazards, such as the Sahel in Africa, where over four million children face heatwaves, extreme heat, and sand and dust storms. Countries in Asia, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan, also see children exposed to multiple simultaneous hazards.
UNICEF urges urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent increases in climate hazards, which could strain resources and systems dedicated to safeguarding children’s wellbeing.