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According to UNICEF's State of the World's Children 2024 (SOWC-2024) report, the world is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, with nearly half of all children living in countries vulnerable to climate and environmental disasters.

Key Highlights of the State of the World's Children 2024 Report

The report identifies demographic shifts, climate and environmental crises, and emerging technologies as the main global forces that will have a significant impact on children's lives until 2050.

Health Issues

According to the report, nearly half of all children (or approximately 1 billion) live in countries with high climate and environmental risks. 

Children's brains, lungs, and immune systems are especially vulnerable to environmental threats such as pollution and extreme weather. 

Air pollution has a significant impact on respiratory health and development, and rising temperatures contribute to the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue. 

Floods contaminate water supplies, causing waterborne diseases. 

Extreme weather events reduce food production, which will contribute to food insecurity. 

Education and Economic Growth

Since 2022, 400 million students worldwide have experienced school closures due to severe weather. This violates children's rights, restricts educational opportunities, and hinder economic development.

Technology and Socio-Economic Trends

Artificial intelligence (AI), neurotechnology, next-generation renewable energy, and vaccine breakthroughs could have a significant impact on children's lives by improving education, healthcare, and resource access. 

The digitalization of society can empower children but also expose them to online risks such as sexual exploitation and abuse.

Projections for the 2050s

The global child population is expected to stabilize at 2.3 billion by the 2050s. South Asia, along with Eastern, Southern, and Western Africa, will continue to have the largest child populations.

South Asia, Eastern and Southern Africa, and West and Central Africa will continue to struggle to meet the basic needs of their children, due to significant climate risks and a lack of adequate digital infrastructure.

Newborn survival rates are expected to exceed 98%, with a child's chances of reaching the age of five increasing to 99.5%.

Life expectancy will rise to 81 years for girls and 76 years for boys, up from 70 and 66 years, respectively, for those born in the 2000s.

By the 2050s, 23% of the world's children are expected to live in low-income countries, which is more than double the percentage in the 2000s.

Urbanization and Digital Divide

As more children move to cities, making urban areas healthier and more secure will be critical to preparing them for a better future. By the 2050s, 60% of children will live in cities, up from 44% in the 2000s.

The digital divide is a major concern, with 95% of people in high-income countries having internet access and only 26% in low-income countries.

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Source: 

The Hindu