Climate Disasters may hurt children, 5.6M poor families

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Save the Children Philippines is deeply concerned for the safety and welfare of children from 5.6 million poor families who are exposed to various risks and hazards from disasters and emergencies as the country braces for 15 cyclones this year. With the Philippines ranking first in the 2022 World Risk Index with the highest risk of disasters in the world, families living in poverty have less protection from the impacts of climate disasters and have less support and resources to adapt to climate-related change.

During climate emergencies, affected families may find it hard to send their children to school or even access healthcare. Children suffer the most as many of them will be forced to work to help their family’s daily needs. Filipino girls are at greater risk of being abused, neglected, exploited, and/or subjected to child marriage.

“No child deserves to grow up in poverty. But the reality is grim. Millions of Filipino children remain poor due to inequality and discrimination where many of them lack access to basic services on health, education, proper nutrition, or adequate housing. Hence, our work for and with children focuses on building children and families’ resilience from the negative impacts of the climate and inequality crises,” said Save the Children Philippines CEO Atty. Albert Muyot.

Save the Children Philippines’ child-led “Generation Hope Campaign” is calling for urgent action from the government and concerned sectors to create a safer, fairer, and healthy environment for children.

"We demand child-centered climate change mitigation and adaptation plans. Let us save the planet to save the children," said Jan, 17, a Generation Hope youth advocate.

In celebration of World Environment Day, Generation Hope advocates in Save the Children’s Eastern Samar program area held a symbolic paper boat activity where they sent letters demanding local and national leaders to implement and adopt environmental policies.

In partnership with the Department of Education, Save the Children Philippines also deployed a holistic Disaster Risk Reduction Management Information System which implements a comprehensive school safety ecosystem in the country. The system safeguards schools and the community, ensuring learning continuity during disasters or other emergencies.

“Without urgent and concrete actions to mitigate the negative impact of climate change and support for the most vulnerable families to adapt, we are at a setback in fulfilling children’s right to survive, learn, be protected, and thrive,” said Environmental Health Advisor Rexel Abrigo.

Support Save the Children Philippines’ work for and with children. Build a Generation of Hope by being a Life Changer for Children!

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