Over The Tipping Point
Handling multiple, overlapping climate and non-climate shocks to create a better future for every child
Climate change impacts everyone, but its effects are experienced very unevenly. Geographical location, individual health status, age, socioeconomic background, health system preparedness, and support systems all play a crucial role in determining how vulnerable different population groups are.
The East Asia and Pacific region is one of the most vulnerable to climate-related impacts because of its unique exposure and sensitivity. In fact, children in the region are experiencing a 6-fold increase in the number of climate-related disasters they face today compared to their grandparents 50 years ago. To make matters worse, children and their families also have to deal with all sorts of non-climate crises, like COVID-19, the cost-of-living crisis and more. Imagine what their children will have to experience if things don’t change.
While children are least to blame for the climate crisis, they will suffer most from it. In addition to immediate impacts like loss of life, property destruction, food insecurity and the spread of disease, climate change also increases poverty and inequality. The impacts will be felt for decades.
It’s not right.
UNICEF EAPRO’s new report “Over the Tipping Point” highlights the East Asia and Pacific region’s specific vulnerabilities, explains how climate change drives inequality, and provides recommendations to safeguard children’s future and well-being.
Read more in our report
This report unveils the intensifying frequency and compounding effects of climate-related hazards intertwined with non-climate shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and socio-economic challenges. This situation creates multiplier effects and cascading impacts in the region, leading to a ‘polycrisis’ – a situation with multiple near-simultaneous shocks with strong interdependencies. Other human-driven trends amplify these effects, leading to more shocks, thus creating knock-on effects on several interconnected systems and sectors.
Some key highlights from the report
Children in Asia and the Pacific are hardest hit by multiple overlapping shocks. 41% of children in the region experience 5 or more simultaneous shocks! That’s much higher than the global average of 14%...
When climate impacts overlap with non-climate impacts, things become especially hard for the most vulnerable children.
More and more children in the East Asia and Pacific region are highly exposed to the impacts of the climate crisis. The situation is likely to only get worse unless we commit to investing in solutions that address root causes and mitigate impacts.
When climate shocks happen, they interact with each other and with non-climate shocks. This creates multiplier effects that make it very difficult for the most vulnerable children to cope and recover. And in the end, it all leads to more poverty and higher inequality.
What actions can be taken?
Urgent action is needed to address the impacts of the climate crisis on children. Fortunately, there are measures we can take to tackle the root causes of climate change and improve children’s resilience to multiple overlapping shocks.
Our report highlights the need to invest in:
- Climate-smart education, health and water and hygiene services that children have a continued access to
- Climate-responsive social and child protection systems
- Strong early warning and risk management systems
In the end, Planet Earth is for children to inherit. That means they have the right to be heard and supported when it comes to climate action.
Urgency demands that we listen to their creativity and ingenuity, support their efforts, provide them with important skills and resources, and give them a chance to guide climate solutions.