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Climate change set to exacerbate child vulnerability in South Africa

© UNICEF South Africa/Schermbrucker

Children represent more than a third of South Africa’s population and are one of the social groups most vulnerable to climate change.

New study calls for policy makers to focus on children in addressing climate change.

19 November, Pretoria – Climate change will exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities of children in South Africa, unless mitigation and adaptation strategies are child-sensitive and timeously implemented.

‘Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Children in South Africa’ study made public today highlights the likely impact of climate change on children’s health, education, nutrition, safety and access to adequate housing and sanitation in South Africa – both directly and indirectly.

The study presents a body of evidence that South Africa’s climate is already changing, with increases in average annual temperatures and slight decreases in rainfall in recent decades. In future all regions of the country are projected to be warmer, particularly inland. According to scientific models rainfall variability countrywide will increase, with consequences for the incidence of flooding and drought.

Prioritise child wellbeing
The burden of dealing with the impact of these changes in climate will not be distributed evenly across society. Children represent more than a third of South Africa’s population and are one of the social groups most vulnerable to climate change. Research shows that many of the main killers of children – diarrhoea, under-nutrition, and malaria – are highly sensitive to climatic conditions.

“In the context of existing poverty and HIV and AIDS, climate change is likely to deepen the vulnerability of children in South Africa,” said Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative. “Children are more susceptible than adults to the adverse effects of environmental degradation because of their physical, cognitive and physiological immaturity.”

© UNICEF South Africa/Pirozzi

Effective participation by children on climate change issues can feed into, and strengthen policy and national response.

Child participation key to designing solutions
The study also highlights the importance of children’s participation in designing effective responses to climate change. In spite of their increased vulnerability, children have a right to be involved in the planning of mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Effective participation by children on climate change issues can feed into, and strengthen policy and national response. Currently, most climate change-related policies do not adequately examine the specific impact of changing climatic conditions on children.

There is a need to ensure that issues of climate change are communicated effectively to children. Though aspects of climate change already cut across the curriculum, more is still needed to ensure successful communication and take-up among children.

Looking forward
The study – commissioned by UNICEF in partnership with the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities and the Department of Environmental Affairs – makes several recommendations for South Africa’s climate change response.

• At national level, children must be recognised as a unique social group and be formally represented in the climate change policy development and in processes to advance South Africa’s commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction. 
• Local and provincial governments also need to be supported to understand their roles and responsibilities to children. 
• Strengthening the adaptive capacity of children and their families to deal with the impacts of climate change should be prioritised in local-level development plans and other programmes.

“Prioritising child wellbeing in climate change related plans and programmes is our obligation as a society, under the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” said Girma. “UNICEF is committed to working with partners to ensure that child-related risks associated with climate change, as well as wider development pressures, are addressed.”

Read more

Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Children in South Africa
2011 - The study highlights the likely impact of climate change on children’s health, education, nutrition, safety and access to adequate housing and sanitation in South Africa – both directly and indirectly.

Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Children in South Africa: Summary of Findings
2011 - Summary of findings of the study that highlights the likely impact of climate change on children’s health, education, nutrition, safety and access to adequate housing and sanitation in South Africa – both directly and indirectly.

Change Through the Eyes of a Child: South African children speak about climate change
2011 - This publication aims to give children a voice and illustrate their understanding of climate change, their involvement in environmental activities, and their views on government’s role in tackling climate change.

VIDEO: Young people have their say on climate change
Children have the right to be heard on climate change and to be involved in the discussions and planning of mitigation and adaptation strategies, policies and plans. Hear the voices of a group of young people from KwaZulu-Natal about climate change and COP 17.