UN Reports Over 420,000 Children Affected by Drought in Amazon
The United Nations reports that over 420,000 children are suffering from severe drought and water scarcity in the Amazon basin, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. UNICEF is urging leaders at COP29 to boost climate financing to mitigate these effects. The drought has led to the closure of many schools and medical clinics, increasing risks of malnutrition and disease among children. Brazil has reported a reduction in deforestation, suggesting possible progress amid environmental challenges.
The United Nations has reported that over 420,000 children in the Amazon basin are experiencing severe water scarcity and drought, primarily affecting communities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. This prolonged drought, attributed to the ongoing 2023-2024 El Niño phenomenon, has resulted in low river levels, critically impacting food security and child health. The UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, has urged leaders at the forthcoming COP29 summit to enhance climate financing aimed at safeguarding children. In the face of these challenges, UNICEF is seeking $10 million to provide essential resources such as clean water and health brigades to the affected communities. The current drought in the Amazon has led to significant disruptions, including the closure of over 1,700 schools and 760 medical clinics in Brazil alone, while Colombia has reported that 130 schools had to suspend classes due to the lack of food and water. Peru also faces similar challenges with more than 50 clinics rendered inaccessible. The UN stresses the urgency of mitigating the effects of climate crises to protect the wellbeing of children today and future generations. In light of this environmental crisis, Brazil’s Environment Minister, Marina Silva, asserted that it is feasible for governments to combat climate change, as evidenced by a 30% reduction in deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon over the past year. Meanwhile, Colombia has also achieved a historic 36% decrease in deforestation in 2023, indicating potential progress in environmental protection efforts amid ongoing climate adversities. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of climate change effects and health crises, emphasizing the need for immediate and dramatic action to address the dire circumstances threatening children in the Amazon region.
The Amazon basin is experiencing an unprecedented drought that has affected numerous communities reliant on the river system for their daily sustenance. This situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the El Niño climate phenomenon, which alters precipitation patterns, leading to lower rainfall and heightened water scarcity. The impact is particularly severe for Indigenous populations and other vulnerable groups, increasing the risks of malnutrition and disease among children. Recent reports highlight significant closure rates of schools and health clinics, mirroring the urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis in conjunction with broader environmental policies.
The urgency of addressing the water crisis in the Amazon, which has directly impacted over 420,000 children, cannot be overstated. The calls for increased climate financing and support from global leaders at COP29 are crucial in ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary assistance. Given the intertwined nature of environmental and humanitarian issues, a concerted effort towards sustainable development is essential to protect the health and future of children in this vital region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
