UNICEF warns extreme heat could endanger up to 243 million children in East Asia and Pacific

The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, warned that sweltering heat could expose up to 243,000,000 children across East Asia and the Pacific to heat-related illnesses, including respiratory conditions, asthma, cardiovascular disease and, in extreme cases, death.

Why it matters: The agency said children are more vulnerable than adults to extreme heat and urged immediate precautions as temperatures already exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in parts of the region and forecasts show more heat waves in coming months.

UNICEF recommended that parents and caregivers create cooler spaces in schools and kindergartens for children to play and rest, avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, dress children in light, breathable clothing and ensure they drink plenty of water. "Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of climate change, and excess heat is a potentially lethal threat to them," Deborah Comini, UNICEF's regional director, said.

The warning also highlighted risks for pregnant women, noting extreme heat increases the likelihood of premature or stillborn births and complications from gestational diabetes. The organization did not specify which countries or provinces account for the largest share of the 243 million estimate in the transcript.

The advisory is framed as a public-health alert rather than a binding policy request; UNICEF's guidance focuses on mitigation and caregiving steps that schools and families can take immediately as temperatures rise.

Matt Wells, UN News.