Europe and Central Asia

As world leaders, specialists from the international community, scientists, young people, business leaders and climate experts gather in Dubai for COP28, UNICEF urges for children to be central to all climate-related policy and practice. Investment in adapting the services that children’s lives and future depend on are critical to withstand the…

DUBAI, 8 December 2023 – Countries from across Europe and Central Asia affirmed their commitment to accelerating inclusive, child and youth-centered climate policies and action at a Bulgaria-UNICEF event on the Youth, Children and Skills Day at COP28. Young people from Bulgaria and Spain and leaders from across Europe and Central Asia shared…

NEW YORK/DUBAI, 7 December 2023 – Most children and young people say they have heard of climate change but only half understand what it is, according to a new UNICEF-Gallup poll, as world leaders gather at this year’s COP28. The global poll found that on average, 85 per cent of young people aged 15-24 surveyed in 55 countries said they have heard…

“When I was a child, we often went for walks with my family to rivers and lakes,” remembers 18-year-old Leyla. During these walks, she noticed that many of the water basins around her hometown in Azerbaijan were polluted with metal, plastic bottles and packaging. She was concerned that locals were unaware of the consequences of their actions. “…, Global asks and local actions, The Youth Climate Envoys programme empowers young people to speak up on climate issues and propose solutions at different levels, from local communities to the global climate debate. Two climate envoys from this year's cohort have joined the official delegation of Azerbaijan at the 28th Conference of the Parties, held in Dubai from 30 November to…, Educating and inspiring others, Following their training, youth climate envoys will visit urban and rural areas to educate other teenagers and young adults about climate action. Working through the network of youth clubs available in all districts of the country, they will conduct information and outreach sessions. “It is critical that young people in Azerbaijan understand these…

In Kyrgyzstan, air pollution is the single biggest environmental risk factor for premature death and ill-health, with young children among the most affected. In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan a UNICEF study found that residents are exposed to annual average concentrations that range from moderately elevated to far more than concentrations known to cause…

The climate crisis is a child rights crisis, with the youngest and most vulnerable children bearing the greatest toll. Children in Armenia are already feeling its impact and are taking action and creating solutions. This year, students and teachers across Armenia dedicated themselves to fostering eco-friendly solutions to take on global problem…, A green lifestyle challenge, Three young girls working on their project on climate change In an effort to reduce a growing mountain of waste in Yeghegnadzor, Armenia, residents burn up to two tons of garbage every week. A group of 15 eighth graders from Yeghegnadzor public school #2 have been studying the causes of climate change and its consequential risks. Led by UNICEF…, From Climapolis to COP, Adolescents make eco-friendly products Narek and Yerazik, 18, are from the town of Vedi in Armenia’s Ararat province. Last year they participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP27, as the first young delegates from Armenia to represent the voices of their generation. In 2021, Narek and a group of friends founded start-up…, School students in Vardenis champion garbage sorting initiative, A young girl attaching a bin sticker to help sort trash. In Vardenis, Armenia, unsorted garbage is disposed of in a communal landfill. The practice has caused concern for several years with local authorities urging for the closure of the landfill due to its detrimental effects. The unmanaged waste spreads to neighboring areas through the wind and…

The lives of millions of children around the world are being upended by the climate crisis. Geography does not protect against climate change; it is affecting children everywhere – even in in high-income countries – and the world is not doing nearly enough to protect them. In Europe, Canada and the United States, children with asthma and other…

GENEVA, 13 November 2023 – 1 in 6 children in eastern Europe and Central Asia – or 17 million across the region – live in areas exposed to severe water scarcity, according to a new report published today by UNICEF. The climate-changed child – released ahead of the COP28 climate change summit – is a supplement to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk (…

Air pollution is a major environmental health risk for children, with lifelong and sometimes fatal consequences. In 52 countries across Europe and Central Asia, more than 90 babies die every week from causes associated with air pollution.  Many more suffer long-term health problems as a result of breathing polluted air in infancy and childhood…, Taking the lead, Across Europe and Central Asia, children are leading the way in the fight for clean air. With direct action, advocacy, training in STEM fields and developing practical skills, young people are mobilizing their efforts towards effective change. Power plant releases pollution into the air. UNICEF/UN0476388/Pancic Youth at YouthMove4Air&Climate…, Albania, Earlier this year the YouthMove4Air&Climate initiative launched supporting more than 250 young leaders who are passionate about environmental stewardship to order to raise awareness of air quality information and mobilize young people to take meaningful action towards addressing the urgent challenges of air quality and climate change. Angelina…, Armenia, Young people across Armenia are studying the effects of air pollution on plants . The project aims to understand and address environmental issues and climate risks in their communities. Angelina, Milena, and Inessa meet monthly to analyse the changes in chlorophyll, magnesium, and radionuclide levels in various plants affected by air pollution.…, Bosnia and Herzegovina, For Maja, recognising air pollution is a major issues that requires immediate action led her to become an advocate for change . When air pollution is extreme, Maja and her friends prefer to stay at home than be outdoors. She now shares experiences and actions with people about climate change and air pollution. More than 150 girls from Kazakhstan,…, Kazakhstan, During a programme that promotes girls participation in STEM  girls in Kazakhstan launch nanosatellites into the upper atmosphere of the Turkestan region to measure and analyse air pollution. “We need to change the way we think about air pollution!” UNICEF, Kosovo* , Young people in Kosovo* develop skills to combat outdoor air pollution . Air pollution is an increasing health hazard, with domestic heating, road transport, energy production, and waste the main culprits. The new initiative raises awareness of its harmful effects and empowers young people to develop innovative solutions in their communities.…, North Macedonia, 30 youth advocates are calling for action on improving the air-quality in North Macedonia. Developing a youth environmental advocacy program “Youth for Air” to stimulate youth participation and advocacy for air quality, provides the opportunity to dive deep on and causes of air pollution and empowers them to take action. image UNICEF/Tajikistan/ D…, Tajikistan, Nigina and Saodat are confronting air pollution in their pursuit of eco-activism for a sustainable future by taking up environmental projects. There were only 10 kids in the programme when Saodat started. But every year, their numbers have grown. Schoolchildren now pay attention to the guys in green T-shirts, who make their city cleaner and safer., Serbia, The Schools for Better Air Quality project was launched to raise the awareness about air quality and its impact on people’s health and well-being. The Schools for Better Air Quality project developed functional knowledge  tools about the harmful consequences of air pollution and the importance of environmental protection. A boy speaks into the…, Uzbekistan, Young people meet with decision-makers  to discuss urgent actions to mitigate climate change.  100 children and youth from all the regions of Uzbekistan participated underlining that climate and environmental hazards are having devastating impacts on the well-being and future of children., Everyday actions to engage with climate change and air pollution, Minimize your exposure to indoor pollutants by trying these tips for fresh air at home: 7 ways to improve the quality of air at home . Talking about climate change with children can be difficult for many parents. Engaging with children with hope and positivity on these issues makes an impact as you talk to your child about climate change . “Green…

Children are uniquely vulnerable to air pollution, with devastating effects on their health and development. Scientific evidence shows air pollution contributes to adverse birth outcomes including preterm births and low birth weights, infant mortality,  damaged lung function, illness and diseases including asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer…, PM10 is roughly one-seventh the diameter of a human hair. It consists of sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, and black carbon; it may also include concentrations of natural windblown dust. PM10 is harmful to health because it can block and inflame nasal and bronchial passages, causing a variety of respiratory-related conditions that lead…, Case Study: UNICEF’s work on cleaner air for children in Kyrgyzstan, In Kyrgyzstan, air pollution is the single biggest environmental risk factor for premature death and ill-health, with young children among the most affected. In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan a UNICEF study found that residents are exposed to annual average concentrations that range from moderately elevated to far more than concentrations known to cause…, Recommendations to governments across Europe and Central Asia , UNICEF calls on governments and institutions in countries across the region to devote greater attention and resources to prevent worsening air pollution, support energy efficiency and access to clean energy, support cleaner air measures and protect children from exposure. Particular attention must be paid to addressing the magnified health risks…, Walk the talk, Ensure air quality standards are in line with WHO guidelines. Support access to clean energy and the use of cleaner fuels and reduce the dependency on the use of fossil fuels. Promote energy efficiency including expanding district heating, revision of existing building standards for public facilities (schools, kindergarten and hospitals) for…, Focus on child-sensitive interventions, Ensure pollution free zones near schools, kindergartens, and health facilities. Set up and maintain air quality monitoring systems nearby kindergartens and schools, and report information to the public and noting levels of air pollution that are dangerous to children and pregnant women. Train health providers and professionals to assess child…, Raise awareness and advocate, Raise awareness of air pollution and its impact on child health Collect disaggregated data on the effects and sources of air pollution, with a specific focus on research and recognition for pregnant women, infants and children.  Advocate for air pollution and its impacts on children to be considered in national climate and environmental policies,…, Breathless beginnings: the alarming impact of air pollution on children in Europe and Central Asia Breathless beginnings: the alarming impact of air pollution on children in Europe and Central Asia P O L I C Y B R I E F 05.09.23 Air pollution is a major environmental health risk for children. In 2019, 5,801 children and teenagers in 52 countries…

GENEVA, 5 September 2023 – More than 5,800 children and teenagers in Europe and Central Asia died in 2019 from causes related to air pollution. The vast majority – 85 per cent – died before their first birthday, the equivalent of 90 babies a week, according to a new data analysis featured in a policy brief published today by UNICEF. “When it comes…

Climate change is disrupting weather patterns, leading to extreme weather events, unpredictable water availability, exacerbating water scarcity and contaminating water supplies. Such impacts can drastically affect the quantity and quality of water that children need to survive. Today, a change in climate is felt primarily through a change in water…