Over 420,000 Children Impacted by Drought Crisis in Amazon, Warns UN

Over 420,000 children are suffering from severe drought in the Amazon, impacting communities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. UNICEF is advocating for increased climate financing amid reports of school and clinic closures. The situation is exacerbated by drought conditions linked to El Niño and climate change, prompting calls for immediate assistance to mitigate child malnutrition and healthcare crises.

The United Nations reports that over 420,000 children in the Amazon basin are suffering from severe drought conditions that have resulted in significant water scarcity. This ongoing crisis, which started last year, particularly affects Indigenous communities along riverine areas in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. UNICEF has called for urgent climate financing for children during the upcoming COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, highlighting the devastating impact of the drought on access to essential resources such as food and healthcare. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the critical need to mitigate the effects of climate crises, stating that the destruction of the Amazon ecosystem severely impacts children’s welfare. The drought has led to food insecurity and an increased risk of malnutrition among children, as many schools and clinics have become inaccessible. Specifically, low river levels have resulted in the closure of more than 1,700 schools and 760 medical clinics in Brazil’s Amazon, while Colombia suspended classes in 130 schools due to lack of water and food. In response to this urgent situation, UNICEF seeks $10 million to support affected communities by providing water and health services. The current drought conditions have been exacerbated by the 2023-2024 El Niño phenomenon and underscore a broader climate crisis affecting the region, which has led to increased forest fires and reduced agricultural yields. In light of these challenges, Brazilian officials report a notable decrease in deforestation rates, suggesting efforts to combat climate change may yield positive results. Brazil’s Environment Minister, Marina Silva, remarked that confronting climate change is feasible, citing a 30 percent reduction in deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon over the past year. Colombia also reported a historic decline of 36 percent in deforestation this year. These developments indicate a potential shift towards improved environmental governance in the region.

The Amazon rainforest is facing unprecedented climate challenges, primarily due to drought conditions exacerbated by El Niño effects and climate change. The dire situation has become a matter of international concern, particularly regarding its impact on vulnerable populations, especially children. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is advocating for enhanced climate financing to address the specific needs of affected communities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Both governmental and non-governmental entities are increasingly recognizing the urgency to protect the ecosystem and ensure the well-being of its inhabitants amid ongoing environmental degradation.

In summary, the ongoing record drought in the Amazon has severely impacted over 420,000 children, highlighting the urgent need for international assistance. UNICEF’s call for increased climate financing at the COP29 summit aims to address the rising malnutrition and healthcare challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Despite the stark consequences of climate change in the region, recent governmental efforts show promise in reducing deforestation and combatting environmental degradation, which could restore balance to this vital ecosystem.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com