Over 420,000 children in the Amazon are impacted by severe drought conditions due to climate change. UNICEF appeals for increased financing to address the crisis. The effects include food insecurity and a lack of access to education and healthcare, with numerous schools and clinics closing across Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. The situation has been worsened by the El Niño phenomenon and highlights the urgent need for government intervention and funding.
The United Nations reports that over 420,000 children across the Amazon basin are suffering due to unprecedented drought conditions affecting Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. This alarming situation has been ongoing since last year, severely impacting Indigenous and local communities that rely on water and boat transport. As the COP29 climate change summit approaches, UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, has urged world leaders to prioritize climate financing aimed at protecting children from the dire consequences of these extreme environmental conditions. Russell emphasized the necessity of addressing the ecological collapse that directly compromises children’s access to essential needs such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education. This drought crisis has resulted in food insecurity, increasing the risk of malnutrition among children, while diminished access to safe drinking water heightens susceptibility to infectious diseases. In Brazil’s Amazon region, more than 1,700 schools and 760 medical facilities have either closed or become inaccessible due to low river levels. Colombia has reported the suspension of classes in 130 schools, and in Peru, over 50 clinics cannot be reached. UNICEF has identified a pressing need for $10 million to support these vulnerable communities through initiatives that provide clean water and deploy health brigades. The ongoing drought has been linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon, leading to significant rainfall shortfalls and adverse impacts on hydroelectric power generation, crop yields, and forest management across South America. Furthermore, the Brazilian Environment Minister, Marina Silva, acknowledged the increasing challenges posed by the climate crisis while expressing optimism regarding governmental efforts to combat climate change. Notably, she cited positive trends in combating deforestation, reporting a reduction of approximately 30 percent in 2023, the lowest deforestation rate in nearly a decade.
The issue of severe drought in the Amazon basin is a significant climatic event affecting millions, particularly vulnerable populations such as children. The United Nations and its agencies like UNICEF are increasingly vocal about the dire implications this has for child health and well-being. With the COP29 climate summit on the horizon, discussions are focusing on the necessity for global leaders to increase financial commitments to address climate change and mitigate its impacts on the most affected communities. The ongoing challenges are exacerbated by broader climate phenomena like El Niño, which underlines the importance of proactive environmental policies and sustainable development.
In summary, the record drought affecting the Amazon basin has left over 420,000 children struggling with severe water scarcity and related health risks. The United Nations and UNICEF are calling for increased climate financing to support these vulnerable populations. The need for immediate action is underscored by the alarming reports of school and healthcare facility closures. As world leaders prepare for COP29, the integration of environmental sustainability into development policies emerges as a crucial focal point to safeguard the livelihoods of millions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
