Minister Thakuri expresses concern over impact of climate change on children's health

Kathmandu, Nov 20: Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri voiced his concern over the impact of climate change on children's health.     

At an interaction jointly organized by the Ministry of Forests and Environment and UNICEF marking World Children's Day here today, Minister Thakuri pledged to prioritize the effective implementation of policy and programmes to ensure the safety and healthy life of the children in the areas affected by climate change.     

Reiterating the government's commitment to ensuring child rights, securing their welfare and reducing the impact of climate change, Thakuri asserted that climate change was not only a global emergency but a crisis for children's rights.     

"It threatens the right to education, health, food security, clean water and protection from violence," he mentioned, adding that around 80 per cent of the country's population was grappling with climate-induced risks at present.     

Climate change-induced hazards such as floods, tropical storms, hurricanes, droughts, extreme heat, wildfire, ecosystem disturbance and air pollution among others take a toll on the most vulnerable section of the population.     

Over the past six years, weather-related disasters have displaced 43.1 million children in 44 countries, according to a report published by UNICEF.     

Likewise, UNICEF Representative to Nepal Alice Akunga called for extensive discussions with all parties concerned for the prevention risks and impact of climate change on children and youth. (RSS)