A recent UNICEF report predicts that by 2050, India will have 35 crore children, despite a decrease of 10.6 crore from current figures. This means India will account for 15 percent of the global child population, alongside countries like China, Nigeria, and Pakistan. However, the report emphasizes significant challenges ahead, particularly regarding environmental and climate change impacts on these children.
Released in New Delhi, the report titled _State of the World's Children 2024: The Future of Children in a Changing World_ highlights the urgent need for action. UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey and other experts presented the findings, which outline how demographic shifts and climate crises will reshape children's lives.
By 2050, children are expected to face severe climate challenges, with nearly eight times more exposure to heat waves compared to the year 2000\. Low-income countries, especially in Africa, will see the most significant impacts due to limited resources. The report stresses the importance of prioritizing children's rights in policy-making to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.
Currently, around one billion children globally are already facing extreme weather conditions. India ranks 26th in the Children's Climate Risk Index, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures for its youth. The decisions made today will play a crucial role in determining the future well-being of these children.