Over 420,000 children in the Amazon basin are adversely affected by severe drought and water shortages, as reported by the UN. Indigenous and local communities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are particularly vulnerable, facing challenges in access to food, water, and education. UNICEF has called for enhanced climate financing to protect children during the upcoming COP29 summit.
The United Nations reports that over 420,000 children in the Amazon basin are experiencing severe water scarcity and drought conditions, particularly affecting communities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. The ongoing drought, which commenced in the previous year, has resulted in significant challenges for Indigenous and local populations that depend on river transportation. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the urgent need for leaders to enhance climate financing for children at the upcoming COP29 summit in Azerbaijan.
This alarming situation is a result of a record drought exacerbated by the El Niño climate phenomenon, leading to reduced rainfall and low river levels throughout the Amazon region. Consequently, many children lack access to essential resources such as adequate food, clean drinking water, healthcare, and education. The shortage of water and food has noticeably heightened the risks of malnutrition and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases among affected children. Additionally, many schools and medical clinics in the region have had to close or become inaccessible due to these adverse conditions.
In summary, the drought affecting the Amazon basin poses significant threats to the well-being of over 420,000 children. The United Nations and UNICEF are calling for immediate global actions and increased climate financing to support these vulnerable populations. Efforts to tackle deforestation and mitigate climate change are imperative not only for the health of the Amazon but for the futures of its children and communities.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
