UN Reports Over 420,000 Children Affected by Drought in Amazon Basin

The UN reports over 420,000 children in the Amazon facing water scarcity due to an ongoing drought affecting Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. UNICEF calls for increased climate financing as thousands of schools and clinics shut down. The organization seeks $10 million to support the affected communities, underscoring the urgent need for action ahead of the COP29 climate summit.

The United Nations reports that over 420,000 children across the Amazon basin are facing severe water scarcity and drought, impacting communities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. As the unprecedented drought persists, UNICEF highlights the critical conditions faced by Indigenous populations who rely on waterways. Ahead of the COP29 climate summit in Baku, the UNICEF Executive Director calls for significant climate financing to address the deteriorating situation, which is compelling many schools and clinics to shut down due to low river levels and access issues. The organization urgently seeks $10 million to provide essential resources to affected families, as the ongoing climate crisis threatens an already vulnerable ecosystem and exacerbates food insecurity and health risks for children. Although steps have been taken to reduce deforestation, the prevailing drought has led to a decline in agricultural productivity and has raised concerns about both child malnutrition and infectious diseases.

The Amazon rainforest is crucial for global biodiversity and is vital to the local communities that depend on it for sustenance and healthcare. Recent climate events, particularly the ongoing drought linked to the El Niño phenomenon, have intensified the effects of climate change throughout the region. The situation is worsening, resulting in water shortages that directly affect the health and safety of children. UNICEF’s plea for increased climate financing reflects the urgent need for intervention to overcome the rising challenges posed by environmental changes. This backdrop sets the stage for discussions at the COP29 summit, where global leaders are expected to address climate action priorities, particularly those impacting the world’s children.

In summary, the situation in the Amazon basin presents a significant humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climate change, directly affecting the wellbeing of over 420,000 children. The United Nations emphasizes the necessity for immediate financial support and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of extreme climate conditions. As countries prepare for discussions at the COP29 summit, the focus must remain on delivering actionable solutions and securing resources that prioritize the safety and health of vulnerable populations in affected regions.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com