Almost half of the world's children and adolescents, equivalent to 1.1 billion individuals, are exposed to at least three climate risks, which threaten their health, education and survival. The conclusions are in the 2026 Children's Climate Risk Report, from the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) released this Monday (15). Related news: Climate disasters affected more than 336 thousand people in the country in 2025. Research reveals concern about children in climate extremes. According to the study, almost all children in the world face at least one climate risk, while more than 4 million may face up to six different threats. "In Brazil, 16 million are exposed to three or more climate risks, such as heat waves or droughts - the equivalent of 3 out of 10 Brazilian boys and girls. Looking at two or more risks, there are more than 30 million children and adolescents (6 out of 10) who live with these threats on a daily basis", warns the report. The study uses the most recent data available to map the exposure of children and adolescents to the eight most frequent climate threats around the world: coastal flooding, drought, extreme heat, bushfires, heat waves, river floods, sand and dust storms, and tropical storms. For the first time, the report shows exactly where and how intensely multiple climate threats affect children and the essential public services they depend on, as well as indicating how governments can take concrete actions to respond. According to Unicef's executive director, Catherine Russell, children's lives continue to be deeply affected by heat waves, forest fires, droughts and floods. Drought, extreme heat and heat waves are the most common combination of climate risks, with more than 296 million children and teenagers living in areas exposed to these three conditions. The second most common combination — drought, extreme heat and tropical storms — affects more than 115 million children worldwide. According to Unicef, in the Sahel region of Africa, one of the most affected, more than 4 million children face the triple threat of heat waves, extreme heat and sand and dust storms.  In Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan, children are exposed to more climate threats and with greater intensity than anywhere else in the world. High-income countries also face climate impacts. In Italy, for example, more than 6 million children and adolescents are exposed to prolonged heat waves and droughts.  In addition to the eight most frequent climate threats, the report analyzes children's exposure to air pollution and malaria, two risks that are very sensitive to climate change. Data shows that air pollution affects almost every child in the world, while 1 billion boys and girls are exposed to malaria, adding an extra layer of risk to those already facing multiple climate threats.  In Brazil, the scenario is similar, with almost all children and adolescents (95%, or 47 million) exposed to air pollution. Another 5.6 million (or 11% of the country's child population) are exposed to malaria.  “Without urgent efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, climate threats will become more frequent and more intense, putting further pressure on public budgets and government systems and compromising the well-being of children,” warns the report. To protect children's rights and tackle the climate crisis, Unicef recommends: Reduce emissions and take ambitious actions to meet international commitments, including phasing out fossil fuels and a just transition to renewable energy; Protect children and adolescents through inclusive climate adaptation; Disaster risk reduction and loss and damage responses that make essential public services resilient; Ensure that fundamental policies for children are included in national adaptation plans and sectoral strategies, disaster risk governance, and preparedness and response plans; Create safe, green schools and climate-resilient healthcare facilities; Ensure food security for children; Make early warning systems effective for children and accessible to the services they depend on; Strengthen the efficiency of water and sanitation services, as well as emergency-responsive social protection systems; Empower children and young people to meaningfully participate in climate action through investment in climate education and skills; Strengthening the ability of decision-makers and experts to respect children's rights to be heard, to express themselves and to participate in decisions that affect their lives. “This study can help governments and decision-makers plan better and invest more effectively in resilient services,” said Catherine Russell.