KUALA LUMPUR – More than 243 million children are at risk of heat-related diseases and death as heatwaves sweep across the Pacific and East Asia.
Unicef said children are more at risk as they are less able to regulate body temperatures compared to adults.
“Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of climate change, and excess heat is a potentially lethal threat to them. We must be on high alert this summer to protect children and vulnerable communities from worsening heatwaves and other climate shocks,” said Debora Comini, director of the Unicef regional office for East Asia and the Pacific.
It is projected that more than two billion children are expected to be exposed to heatwaves by 2050.
Previously, experts warned that 2024 could be the hottest year on record.
Several countries are already dealing with record temperatures as they regularly hit over 40°C.
Malaysia has advised its schools in areas where temperatures range between 35°C and 37°C to suspend all outdoor activities.
Some Philippine schools suspended in-person classes in April as the country could face a danger level of 42°C or 43°C in some parts.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Health Ministry said around 40 people die from heat-related illnesses annually.
In February, Vietnam experienced a heatwave where the south saw temperatures soar to 38°C, which is abnormally high for the period. – April 11, 2024