This article has been made as simple as the data can be, if you just want to know the broad perspective, refer to the BOLD and ITALICIZED fonts.

Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured , as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow.

As you read the statement above you will think that India with its astounding population growth, will never face such a problem. But,  according to a recent report by UNICEF listed under CCRI ( Children Climate Risk Index), India is in 26th position among 33 countries that have been placed under the “ extremely high risk” category. The climate crisis poses a grave threat to children, mainly because they are most exposed and more vulnerable.

The report goes on to explain that 1 billion children are at extremely high risk from the impact of climate change. Just to bring the massive number into perspective, the population below 18 years constitutes a total of 29.3% of the world's population. So if this population is at risk, the world is at risk.

What Climate shock is making the children vulnerable?

There are plenty of them, for example, Water crisis, Education Crisis, Participation Crisis, Health crisis and even protection. According to the reports,>99% of children are affected by one or the other climate shock. Just look at the massive numbers below :

1. 2Billion are affected by Air Pollution.
2. 920Million are affected by Water Scarcity.
3. 820Million are affected by Heat Waves.
4. Lead Pollution is a close contender with 815Million affected.
5. 400Million and 330Million are affected by Cyclones and Riverine Flooding respectively.
6. Closely following is Coastal flooding with 240Million affected.

According to the estimate around 850Million children live in an area that has overlapping climate shocks.

Ways to tackle the climate shocks before it's too late?

The UNICEF also came with suggestions and has urged nations to start implementing it and make long-term goals that aline themselves with the objective of making and keeping this planet habitable. The suggestions are as follows :

1. Increase Investment in Climate Adaptation.
2. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
3. Provide children with climate education and green skills.
4. Include young people in National, Regional and International climate negotiations.

How many children can a small investment save?

1. Investment in Coastal Flooding will save approx 525 Million children.
2. Investment in Education will save 275 Million Children.
3. Investment in Heatwaves and controlling air pollution will save approx 160 Million children.
4. Investment in WASH (Water, Sanitisation & Hygiene) services can save an astonishing 415 Million children.

In the words of Pope John Paul II, “A nation that kills it's own children has no future.” So, the nations have choice to act now, before it's too late.