UNICEF Head Highlights Impact of Climate Change on Children During Visit to China

"Children are the least responsible for climate change but are the most vulnerable to its impacts," Russell said.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell visited China this week, including the autonomous region of Ningxia, to observe UNICEF’s work with vulnerable children and assess the effects of climate change on their lives. While China has made significant strides in reducing child and maternal mortality, lifting millions out of poverty, and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Russell emphasized that challenges remain, particularly for the 130 million children affected by migration or left behind in rural areas.

With nearly 300 million children, China faces significant environmental challenges, as around 96% of its children are exposed to high risks from climate-related shocks, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, and air pollution. In Beijing, Russell met with children involved in UNICEF’s China Youth, Climate Action campaign, which aims to equip young people with knowledge and green skills to tackle climate change. The campaign will be showcased at COP29 in Azerbaijan next month.

"Children are the least responsible for climate change but are the most vulnerable to its impacts," Russell said. She praised China's efforts to include children’s voices in climate discussions but stressed the importance of centering their needs in global climate solutions.

In Ningxia, Russell visited UNICEF-supported programs that provide nutrition, early childhood development, and protection interventions. She observed health workers conducting home visits to counsel parents on childcare and visited a maternity ward where mothers and newborns benefit from improved healthcare initiatives.

During high-level meetings with Chinese government officials, Russell reinforced UNICEF’s commitment to strengthening partnerships to promote children’s rights and advance the SDGs in China and beyond, as well as to address humanitarian challenges.