Growing Up in the Climate Crisis

 On World Environment Day 2024, World Vision Middle East and Eastern Europe sheds light on the impact of climate change on children and young people in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and the West Bank.

• Children and young people are exposed to multiple climate shocks: All children and young people across the region are exposed to multiple extreme climate events, whether they live in rural communities or urban areas.
• Climate change wreaks havoc on children and young people’s lives by increasing food insecurity and hampering access to water: The prevalence of children and young people receiving less food than they require is a staggering 96.7% in Syria and 94% in Lebanon, followed by Iraq (71.6%) and the West Bank (68.4%).
• Climate change is negatively impacting access to learning, with girls being most affected: A large majority of children and young people in Jordan (77.5%), Iraq (70%) and Syria (76.2%) believe that girls’ school attendance is more disrupted by extreme climate events compared to boys.
• Climate change is taking a toll on children and young people’s mental health: As a result of these challenges, children and young people are generally worried about climate change, with Iraq (92.9%), the West Bank (89.6%), Jordan (75.6%) and Syria (75%) having the highest percentages of respondents who are significantly concerned about climate change impacts.

Read our updated regional report to learn more.

* This policy brief was updated in June 2024.