Over 420,000 Children Impacted by Unprecedented Drought in the Amazon

The UN reports that over 420,000 children in the Amazon basin are adversely affected by extreme drought, which has caused severe water shortages and impacted schools and health services in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, necessitating urgent climate financing for relief efforts.

According to the United Nations, over 420,000 children in the Amazon basin are experiencing severe water shortages and drought, significantly affecting communities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. The ongoing drought, which began last year, has critically impacted Indigenous populations reliant on river transportation. UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that this environmental crisis is depriving children of essential resources such as food, water, healthcare, and education, as they prepare for the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan.

The Amazon basin is currently facing unprecedented drought conditions, largely attributed to the 2023-2024 El Niño phenomenon. This climatic event has resulted in diminished rainfall and lowering river levels, exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities. Consequently, essential services like schools and medical clinics have become inaccessible, with significant implications for child health and nutrition.

In summary, the effects of the severe drought in the Amazon basin have reached alarming levels, threatening the welfare of over 420,000 children. Urgent climate financial support is required to alleviate food insecurity and restore access to vital resources. Notably, while there has been some progress in reducing deforestation, the health of the Amazon remains crucial for both local communities and global ecosystems.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com