UNICEF Report 2026: Climate crisis threatens children worldwide

– including in Austria

The climate crisis is no longer an abstract issue of the future – it is already affecting the lives of millions of children around the world today. This is shown by the new UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026.

© UNICEF/UNI949431/Andriantsoarana

Almost one in two children is exposed to at least three climate risks at the same time. Extreme heat, droughts, floods and air pollution threaten children’s health, education and safety and limit their future opportunities.

The findings make clear that the impacts of the climate crisis go far beyond environmental issues. Children’s rights and human rights are coming under increasing pressure: access to clean water, sufficient food, education and a safe living environment is becoming more difficult in many places.

Climate risks also affect Austria

However, the consequences of the climate crisis are not limited to particularly vulnerable regions. In Austria and many other European countries, heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and are placing an increasing burden on children – for example in schools and kindergartens, in densely built-up towns and cities, or in places where there is a lack of cool spaces to retreat to.

Climate action and climate adaptation measures are therefore about much more than environmental policy. They help protect the health, safety and future of children – worldwide and right on our doorstep.

Together for a liveable future

As a long-standing partner of UNICEF Austria, we support efforts to protect children’s rights and create a liveable future. After all, a sustainable energy supply and consistent climate action are important building blocks for safeguarding the foundations of life for future generations.

The current report once again highlights how closely climate action and the protection of children are linked – and how important decisive action is today.

➡️ Read the full UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026