Children bear the brunt of climate change, warns new report
Climate change is posing an increasing threat to the health and well-being of children and young people in Australia and New Zealand, with rising exposure to heat waves and widespread climate-related distress among young Australians, according to the annual MJA–Lancet Countdown Oceania report.
An annual report warns that children and young people in Australia and New Zealand are disproportionately affected by climate change. Rising exposure to heat waves has increased more than 60% over the past decade, limiting outdoor activities and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. A survey of 16,230 Australians aged 14-19 found that half reported feeling worried or sad about climate change, with one in seven experiencing negative impacts on their daily lives.
Professor Paul Beggs, lead author of the report, emphasized the growing mental health burden associated with climate change. Despite some progress, Australia and New Zealand need to do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt their health systems and communities. The report highlights the substantial economic burden of heat-related mortality, costing an estimated US$1.49 billion annually over 2021-2025.
Australia, as the host of COP31 in 2026, has an opportunity to advocate for stronger global action on climate change, recognizing its health consequences.
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