The UN has reported that over 420,000 children in the Amazon are affected by severe drought conditions, urging increased climate financing to address the crisis. This situation has impeded access to essential services, with many schools and clinics becoming inaccessible due to low river levels, further exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition risks.
The United Nations has reported that over 420,000 children in the Amazon basin are grappling with severe water scarcity due to unprecedented drought levels across Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. The drought, which began last year, has disproportionately affected Indigenous and other communities that rely on waterways for essential services. Ahead of the COP29 climate change summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, UNICEF has called for increased climate financing to address the dire needs of these children.
The ongoing drought in the Amazon is attributed to both natural climate phenomena, particularly the 2023-2024 El Niño, and human-induced climate change, leading to a decline in rainfall and lowering of river levels. These conditions have severely hindered access to food, water, and healthcare for vulnerable children and communities in the region. The situation raises alarms about rising malnutrition rates and infectious diseases among affected populations. Additionally, logistical disruptions have resulted in the closure of numerous schools and medical facilities, worsening the crisis.
In conclusion, more than 420,000 children are facing life-threatening conditions due to severe drought in the Amazon region. The UN and UNICEF emphasize the urgent need for increased climate financing to support these vulnerable populations. Moreover, while recent efforts have led to decreased deforestation rates in nations like Brazil and Colombia, the consequences of climate change and environmental neglect continue to pose significant challenges to the Amazon ecosystem and its communities.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
