26 July 2024 - Global

How does extreme heat impact children?

Roksana,34, carrying daughter Rumi, 5, crossing land during a heatwave in Bangladesh. Save the Children.

This past year we have seen record-breaking temperatures across many countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa, with children affected by poverty, inequality and discrimination disproportionately affected.

A research report released by Save the Children in partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Born into the Climate Crisis, found children born in 2020 face on average 7 times as many scorching heatwaves as their grandparents!

Here are 5 ways extreme heat is impacting children:

1. EXTREME HEAT DISRUPTS CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

Heatwaves have led to schools closing around the world.

Even when children can go to school, the heat can affect their concentration. Research shows that students have lower levels of achievement during hot school years.

Sreyvatey, 14, at her school on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia.

Sreyvatey, 14, at her school on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia. Linh Pham / Save the Children

2. EXTREME HEAT PUTS CHILDREN’S HEALTH AT RISK

Extreme heat can cause severe dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke.

The more that children are exposed to extreme heat, the greater they are at risk of respiratory disease, kidney disease and other health hazards.

Jose Alejandro, 8, drinks water from a recycled water tap in Bolivia. Adriana Loureiro Fernandez / Save The Children

3. EXTREME HEAT LEADS TO HUNGER

Extreme heat is leading to crop failures and the death of livestock.

This makes food more scarce and pushes up prices meaning many children and their families cannot get the nutrition they need.

Inonge (38) and her son Lawrence (7) inspect their failed maize crop in drought-hit Zambia

Inonge (38) and her son Lawrence (7) inspect their failed maize crop in drought-hit Zambia.Sacha Myers / Save the Children

4. EXTREME HEAT STOPS CHILDREN FROM BEING ABLE TO PLAY

Heatwaves force children to stay inside to keep cool, stopping them from going outside to play.

This prevents them from being able to do activities critical to their physical and mental development, such as physical exercise, sports, and playing with friends.

Atika, 12, playing football with her friends at her school in drought-affected East Sumba, Indonesia.

Atika, 12, playing football with her friends at her school in drought-affected East Sumba, Indonesia. Ulet Ifansasti / Save the Children

5. EXTREME HEAT CAUSES CHILDREN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS

Feeling the effects of the climate crisis can badly impact the mental health of children all over the world.

Research has shown that children and young people are worried about the future they will inherit, which they say is negatively affecting their daily life and functioning.

Fatun*, 10, at home in Puntland, Somalia