Published in the summer of 2026, UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Report shows that almost every child in the world is exposed to at least one climate-related hazard. In Belgium, children are also a vulnerable group when it comes to climate change, due to their stage of physical development, their dependence on essential services, and social, health and economic factors.
An alarming global observation
An alarming fact from UNICEF’s report is that almost all children worldwide are affected by at least one climate-related hazard. And 1.1 billion children – nearly half – are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards. These threats jeopardise their health, their education, their living conditions and even their survival. Globally, in 2023, air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death among children under the age of five, after malnutrition.
In Belgium, almost all children are exposed to climate-related hazards
Based on data from UNICEF and the Belgian Climate Risk Assessment (BCRA) report, CERAC emphasises that children in Belgium are facing the consequences of climate change as well. No child is safe.
In Belgium, 100% of children are exposed to air pollution. It increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, particularly among the most fragile. Children are particularly vulnerable to long-term damage caused by inhaling pollution particles.
Furthermore, according to UNICEF’s report, 94.3% of children in Belgium are exposed to heat waves and 83.6% to drought. Over 99% are exposed to at least one climate-related hazard, and nearly one in ten children is exposed to at least three climate-related hazards simultaneously. These risks can affect the functioning of the services on which children depend, as well as children’s health and well-being.
Heat waves can affect their sleep, their ability to learn or the school activities, as was the case in June 2026. Some schools have decided to hold lessons only in the mornings, or even to completely suspend them. In some school buildings, temperatures of at least 35°C were recorded in classrooms and corridors. However, some teachers had to allow pupils into school who had no other option but to attend lessons.
Caption: Air temperature measurement carried out by Loïc Gillerot, health expert at CERAC, at a Belgian school in Schaerbeek during the onset of the heat wave at the end of June 2026. ©CERAC
School in Schaerbeek - 19-20 June 2026
Caption: Air temperature (A) and heat stress (B) measurements carried out by Loïc Gillerot, health expert at CERAC, at a Belgian school in Schaerbeek during the onset of the heat wave at the end of June 2026. The WBGT heat stress index takes into account air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. Where the WBGT exceeds 29°C, a number of precautionary measures should be taken in accordance with the applicable legislation ©CERAC
Children are not little adults
Children’s bodies are still developing. They breathe more rapidly than adults, absorb more pollutants and are less effective at regulating their body temperature. Heat waves and air pollution therefore pose increased risks to their health. These effects may be more pronounced in people suffering from e.g. respiratory illnesses.
A vulnerability that varies depending on the situation
Children are a heterogeneous group. Climate-related hazards can affect children differently depending on age, health, presence of a disability, place of residence, and socio-economic situation. These factors therefore highly influence their level of vulnerability.
Infants and young children are more vulnerable to heat waves. Children with asthma or other chronic diseases are more affected by air pollution. People living in densely built areas with few green spaces may be more exposed to the effects of heat waves.
Climate-related hazards can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Children facing health, social or economic difficulties are often the most exposed to the consequences of such risks.
Els Barnard, social issues expert at CERAC
Building up children’s resilience: an urgent need
UNICEF’s report and the BCRA emphasise the importance of taking children’s specific needs into account in climate change adaptation policies. Both also highlight the need for a coordinated approach across the various policy levels and relevant sectors in order to better protect children from current and future climate-related hazards. Additionally, health, education, social protection and risk management play a vital role in children’s ability to cope with climate hazards.
In specific terms, this means strengthening the resilience of the essential services on which children depend, developing schools and public infrastructure capable of withstanding heat waves and other climate-related hazards, and paying particular attention to the most vulnerable groups.
When we strengthen health and education systems and improve infrastructure for the benefit of children, we protect them from current climate threats, helping them to build their future.
Christèle Devos, Executive Director of UNICEF Belgium
FAQ
Why are children more vulnerable to climate change?
Their bodies are still developing. Heat waves, air pollution and other climate-related hazards can have a larger impact on their health and well-being.
What climate-related hazards affect children in Belgium?
Children in Belgium are particularly exposed to air pollution, and heat waves. These hazards can affect their health, sleep and schooling.
How can we better protect children from climate-related hazards?
It is essential to adapt schools and essential services, while taking into account children’s needs in climate change adaptation policies in Belgium.
Further information
Please find out more with CERAC’s analysis on children in the Belgian Climate Risk Assessment.