UNICEF Report: India to House 350 Million Children by 2050 Amid Rising Climate Risks

India is projected to house 350 million children by 2050, despite a decline of 106 million compared to today. country will still account for 15% of global child population, sharing this responsibility with China, Nigeria, and Pakistan , according to a new UNICEF report.

Launch of UNICEF's State of World's Children Report

UNICEF's flagship State of World's Children 2024 report,  Future of Children in a Changing World, was launched in New Delhi on Wednesday. report highlights three global megatrends—demographic shifts, climate crises, and frontier technologies—that will reshape children’s lives by 2050.

Increased Climate Risks for Children

report predicts that by 2050s, children will face significantly increased exposure to extreme climate and environmental hazards. Nearly eight times more children are expected to experience extreme heatwaves compared to 2000s.

climate and environmental crises are expected to escalate, with more children living in lower-income countries, particularly in Africa, where limited resources may hinder effective responses without strategic investments.

India's Role in Protecting Child Rights

India must navigate critical challenges to ensure well-being and rights of its projected 350 million children by 2050. Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, stressed importance of placing children and ir rights at center of strategies and policies for a sustainable future.

India's Ranking in Climate Risk

India ranks 26th in Children’s Climate Risk Index. Indian children, especially in rural and low-income communities, face acute risks from extreme heat, floods, and air pollution, impacting ir health, education, and access to resources like water.

Suruchi Bhwal of TERI emphasized importance of climate action: "Children are vulnerable to direct and indirect impacts of climate change. By involving m as active agents of change, we can dress se challenges collectively."

Frontier Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges

Frontier technologies like artificial intelligence present both opportunities and risks for children. However, digital divide is stark, with only 26% of people in low-income countries connected to internet compared to over 95% in high-income countries.

Investments in Child-Friendly Infrastructure

India must prioritize investments in health, education, skilling, and sustainable urban infrastructure. With nearly half of India's population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, child-friendly and climate-resilient urban planning is essential.

UNICEF Youth vocate Kartik Verma underscored importance of climate education: "Climate change is a child rights crisis. Empowering children with knowledge and tools can make m part of solution."

World Children’s Day and #GoBlue Campaign

report’s launch coincided with World Children’s Day, marked by illuminating iconic monuments across India in UNICEF's signature blue. #GoBlue campaign highlighted importance of inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination for every child.


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