Medical and Hospital News
WEATHER REPORT
Heatwaves put millions of children in Asia at risk: UN
Heatwaves put millions of children in Asia at risk: UN
by AFP Staff Writers
Bangkok (AFP) April 11, 2024

Massive heatwaves across East Asia and the Pacific could place millions of children at risk, the UN warned Thursday, calling for action to protect vulnerable people from the soaring temperatures.

Global monitors have warned that 2024 is shaping up to be the hottest year on record, marked by climate extremes and rising greenhouse gas emissions.

The UNICEF data showed over 243 million children across the Pacific and East Asia were estimated to be affected by heatwaves, putting them at risk of heat-related illnesses and death.

Several countries in the region are currently smouldering in the summer heat, with temperatures nearing record levels as they regularly hit over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Local forecasters are predicting steeper rises in the coming weeks.

Some Philippine schools suspended in-person classes in April, with the state weather forecaster saying temperatures could reach a "danger" level of 42 or 43 degrees Celsius in parts of the country.

In Thailand, a temperature of 43.5 degrees Celsius was recorded in the northern province of Mae Hong Son earlier this week -- just a few degrees shy of the record 44.6 degrees Celsius.

Around 40 people die from heat-related illnesses annually, according to the Thai Ministry of Health.

And in February, neighbouring Vietnam endured a monster heatwave in its southern "rice bowl" when temperatures reached up to 38 degrees Celsius -- an "abnormal" high for the period.

According to the UNICEF report, children are more at risk than adults as they are less able to regulate their body temperature.

"Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of climate change, and excess heat is a potentially lethal threat to them," said Debora Comini, Director of UNICEF Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific.

The report said heatwaves and high humidity levels -- commonly experienced in the region -- can have a deadly effect as the heat will "hinder the body's natural cooling mechanisms."

"We must be on high alert this summer to protect children and vulnerable communities from worsening heatwaves and other climate shocks," Comini said.

The UN projected that over two billion children are expected to be exposed to heatwaves by 2050.

Related Links
Weather News at TerraDaily.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
WEATHER REPORT
March saw 10th straight month of record global heat: monitor
Paris (AFP) April 9, 2024
Europe's climate monitor said Tuesday that March was the hottest on record and the tenth straight month of historic heat, with sea surface temperatures also hitting a "shocking" new high. It is the latest red flag in a year already marked by climate extremes and rising greenhouse gas emissions, spurring fresh calls for more rapid action to limit global warming. - Rolling records - Every month since June 2023 has beaten its own "hottest ever" tag - and March 2024 was no exception. The EU ... read more

WEATHER REPORT
Space Technology's Role in Disaster Management and Climate Monitoring

Who are Switzerland's victorious climate 'Elders'?

UN slams 'cruel' second-wave attacks in Ukraine

Russia says flood situation 'difficult' as more rivers burst

WEATHER REPORT
GMV Spearheads ESA's Mission to Revolutionize Satellite Navigation with LEO Technology

Aerospacelab and Xona Unite to Transform Satellite Navigation

Genesis will measure Earth in millimetric detail from space

Genesis and LEO-PNT: Pioneering the future of precision navigation

WEATHER REPORT
Schoningen Discoveries Highlight Wood's Vital Role in Early Human Technology

Activists slam new Hong Kong ID card policy for trans people

Paleolithic sites near water sources key to understanding early human hunting practices

No 'human era' in Earth's geological history, scientists say

WEATHER REPORT
Trillions of cicadas to swarm U.S.; first double-brood emergence in 200 years

The Buzz on Bugs: How Global Changes Affect Insect Biomass

Viral Discovery Offers Hope Against Destructive Amphibian Fungus

Rising temperatures upend migratory bird habitats in Albania

WEATHER REPORT
Latin America, Caribbean set for record dengue season

US conspiracy theorists monetize 'Disease X' misinformation

Malaria jab rollout in Cameroon a 'turning point': Gavi

WEATHER REPORT
Media watchdog RSF says representative denied entry to Hong Kong

Hong Kong court jails first dual-national for secession

Chinese factory shreds wedding photos for fuel

US to restrict visas for 'multiple' Hong Kong officials

WEATHER REPORT
Hong Kong customs makes largest-ever gold smuggling bust

Indian navy says intercepted hijacked vessel near Somalia

Bodies of eight Chinese migrants found on beach in Mexico

Ecuador mayor killed amid anti-gang state of emergency

WEATHER REPORT
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.