Children at Greatest Risk from Climate Change, Warns Rights Advocate

A new report highlights the urgent need for policies to protect children from environmental hazards linked to climate change.

The report by Claire Hédon, the Défenseure des droits, emphasizes that children are disproportionately affected by climate change, being the most vulnerable yet least responsible.
Key recommendations include adapting school schedules, increasing pedestrian zones around schools, and improving prenatal pesticide exposure consultations.
The report reveals that over 99% of children globally face climate and environmental risks, with pollution causing a quarter of deaths in children under five.
Particular attention is drawn to the deteriorating water quality in French overseas territories like Guadeloupe and Mayotte, which poses significant health risks.
The report calls for a legal framework recognizing children's rights in environmental protection and urges the renovation of school buildings to withstand climate impacts.