Spring has sprung! As we enjoy mild, sunny spring days across much of Britain, watching children toddling about in cute sunhats in pub gardens or in parks it’s hard to imagine that kids in other countries are facing such a different reality.
But today more than 700 million children are in in the countries most at risk of suffering the impact of climate change – and our Government is about to cut the aid they receive.
Why do children bear the brunt of climate change?
Children are so vulnerable in these situations. The things we take for granted that kids here in the UK receive – food, protection against diseases and other health threats, even clean water – are hard to find when drought, floods, hurricanes and other extreme weather have turned families worlds upside down. An analysis by Save the Children of ND-Gain data shows that globally, hundreds of millions of children under the age of 18 are living in regions where climate change is deeply affecting their lives.
“What I really can't forget is that I saw many houses falling because of too much rain and strong winds. I got scared. I don't know why all that rain fell and there was a gale wind. I didn't like that because afterwards we were left homeless and without food,” 14-year-old Baptista* in Mozambique told us. He and his three siblings have struggled to recover since Cyclone Kenneth struck their town in 2019.
Perhaps most unbearable of all for the kids themselves, they may even get separated from their families. Luckily for some, we are able to help reunite them.
What is the government planning?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is set to reduce direct aid to 32 of the 45 most at-risk countries, with a combined child population of 673 million. In the 2020 financial year aid from the FCDO direct to the 45 countries fell by £600 million on the previous year – a 17 percent reduction.
This is set to be cut by a further £1.3 billion – or 44 percent – this year, with potentially devastating consequences for children and families.
The window to prevent catastrophic climate change is rapidly closing as the crisis is set to worsen unless urgent action is taken now.
What can I do about it?
We all do our bit to help our own carbon footprint – perhaps by recycling all we can, flying less, or eating less meat. But it’s so easy to feel helpless reading about these children. To feel they are so far removed from what you have power over it’s impossible to help, or make a difference.
But we CAN make a difference. Thursday 22nd april is Earth Day we are urging you to help us make it clear to the decision makers in this country that we want better outcomes for these children and their families – and our beautiful planet.
Tell me specifically, how can I help!
This year, it’s Britain’s turn to hosts the world’s most important climate conference – COP26. To get the Prime Minister to focus on children, we’re going to get playful. Join thousands of people across the UK in a ‘Wave of Hope’. Show Boris Johnson (and your neighbours) that we're counting on him to lead at the G7 and #CracktheCrises for children.
It's simple – all you need to do is draw, trace or print a hand, make it unique to you, and display it in your window at home. It's a moment of play that could have big consequences for the future.
You can also sign up to our newsletter to be the first to take action on our upcoming petition to the government.
If drastic action is not taken, the impact of the climate crisis is likely to hit millions more children in decades to come. Be on the right side of history - add your hand to the Wave of Hope.
Learn more about the actions we’re calling on the Government to take
Read more about how we’re working to #CracktheCrises for children
