Clean, safe and secure environments to support Early Childhood Development

Young children aged 0-6 are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. But they are also the most valuable group in the fight against it. Supporting young children is a smart investment and should be placed at the forefront of climate resilience action. 

• Young children, especially from vulnerable communities, are more affected by climate change and large-scale environmental degradation than any other group.  

• Nurturing care for young children is adversely affected by air pollution, disease, forced migration and extreme weather events like heat waves, flooding and drought, all of which create toxic stress disrupting children’s brain development, long-term physical and mental health, and cognitive abilities.  

• The Asia-Pacific region is particularly high risk for young children due to climate change. Despite all this, climate change policies and financing mechanisms frequently overlook the needs and risks of infants and young children