If kids could play in the rain, they would jump in every puddle. Rain brings joy but can also bring chaos. Severe weather, like floods and storms, has a big impact on children. In 2019, Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique, leaving around 900,000 kids orphaned or without homes, according to the Mozambican government. This was part of a larger crisis, affecting 1.8 million people.
Floods aren’t the only dangers. A recent study from the UCL Institute of Education shows that climate change and violence against children are closely linked. Children face risks such as exploitation and abuse during disasters, similar to what happens in conflict zones. A 2025 UNICEF report highlights that in Africa, 3.9 million children could be displaced annually due to floods, droughts, and storms. In the worst-case scenario, drought alone could force over 5 million kids from their homes each year.
Sometimes, the danger comes from within the home. Children may have to care for siblings when parents are away searching for food or water. This disrupts their lives and safety. Researchers found that climate shocks lead to economic struggles, which then create social crises, further violating children’s rights. Marginalized communities often feel this pressure the hardest.
To make a difference, international support is needed to keep children safe during climate crises. Plans for adapting to climate change must include ways to protect kids. This includes monitoring issues like child labor and abuse. Teachers, healthcare workers, and community leaders should be trained to recognize the risks that climate change presents to children.
We also need to take preventive measures by identifying areas most at risk and ensuring that early warning systems account for hidden crises. Adults can be taught to detect threats to children during disasters, creating a safety net for vulnerable families. The UCL team has stressed the importance of integrating education in crisis settings with disaster preparedness and child protection. If schools are rebuilt after disasters, they should be made with durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions.
A recent UCL survey involving over 2,400 students aged 11 to 14 found that kids want to know more about climate change and how they can help. It’s crucial to involve children in these discussions, empowering them to be part of the solution.
As we work to protect children, we must also give them a voice. We shouldn’t just build resilience for them but with them. Already, climate change threatens their futures—let’s not allow it to wash away their dignity and dreams.
The author is a Contributing Editor at Mongabay.
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Climate JusticeClimate Change, Children and Climate Justice, Climate Change Adaptation
