A new joint report from the **Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)** and the **United Nations Children’s Fund ([UNICEF](https://www.unicef.org/en))** warns about the **impact of climate change on [child and youth poverty](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/mas-de-1-100-millones-de-personas-viven-en-una-situacion-de-pobreza-extrema/)**.
According to their projections, **at least 5.9 million people under the age of 25** could be living in poverty by the year 2030, even in the most optimistic scenario.
## Climate Scenarios: Between Urgent Action and Dangerous Inaction
The **lack of effective policies** could triple the number of affected young people.
The study analyzes how **[extreme weather events](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/el-impacto-del-cambio-climatico-en-los-fenomenos-meteorologicos-extremos-genera-cada-vez-mas-muertes/)** —such as hurricanes, heatwaves, or droughts— directly affect the well-being of children and adolescents, disrupting their **basic rights** such as education, health, and food security.
If countries **do not implement their climate commitments in time**, the number could rise to **17.9 million young people in poverty**.
## Vulnerable Childhood: Developing Bodies Facing Extreme Phenomena
**Children bear the brunt of climate change in the region**.
“Climate change hits children and adolescents harder, not only due to their physical vulnerability but also because it affects their families’ livelihoods and access to education,” said **Roberto Benes**, UNICEF Regional Director.
The lack of **adequate social protection** perpetuates **structural inequalities** in Latin America.
## Climate Financing: A Pending Debt with Childhood
**Only 3.4% of climate funds are allocated to essential services for children and youth**.
The report denounces that **international climate financing** does not prioritize the fundamental services that children need for comprehensive development: **health, nutrition, education, water, and sanitation**.
In a context of **budget cuts and reduced international cooperation**, millions of children face an **unprecedented crisis**.
## Urgent Recommendations for a Climate Policy with a Child Focus
**ECLAC and UNICEF urge governments to act with intergenerational justice**.
The agencies propose that countries in the region **increase climate investment targeting children**, designing **specific actions according to developmental stages**, and strengthening **social protection systems and emergency response**.
These measures must consider the **differentiated needs of children and adolescents** to prevent climate change from deepening poverty and exclusion.
## Climate Justice and Generational Equity: The Challenge of Protecting Those Most in Need
Children must be at the center of **adaptation and resilience strategies**.
This call reinforces the need to **integrate the child perspective into climate policies**, recognizing that **children cannot wait**. Investing in their well-being today is **ensuring fairer, more resilient, and sustainable societies tomorrow**.
*Cover photo: Getty Images*
