A recent study reveals that younger generations are facing unprecedented exposure to climate extremes, with 52% of children born in 2020 likely to experience extreme heatwaves, compared to just 16% of those born in 1960.

Researchers stress that substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are essential to mitigate the future climate hazards that today's children will face.

The study predicts that limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C could prevent millions from experiencing severe climate consequences, including crop failures and extreme weather events.

However, the research does not account for broader climate change impacts such as fertility, mortality, or migration, which could exacerbate the situation.

Alarmingly, only 2.4% of major climate fund allocations are directed towards child-responsive activities, highlighting a significant gap in addressing the needs of vulnerable children.

The study also points out that climate extremes pose significant threats to society, with anthropogenic influences evident in various extreme weather events.

Projected atmospheric warming could increase global mean temperatures to +2.7°C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century, leading to more frequent and severe climate extremes.

With global temperatures already having risen by 1.3°C, extreme weather events are currently affecting millions of children worldwide, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Ahead of the upcoming COP30 summit in Brazil, there is an urgent call for nations to commit to stronger climate action, as current policies are projected to lead to a global temperature rise of about 2.7°C this century.

Lead author Professor Wim Thiery emphasizes that today's youth will endure climate conditions that older generations have never faced, marking a significant generational divide in climate exposure.

The findings underscore the critical necessity for stronger climate policies to meet the Paris Agreement goals, aiming to protect future generations from escalating climate impacts.

Dr. Luke Grant, another researcher involved in the study, urges the climate community to acknowledge these disparities and the urgent need for action.