As climate change intensifies with rising temperatures, erratic weather, and frequent natural disasters, the toll is heaviest on those least responsible—children. Marking Earth Day 2025, Sumanta Kar, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages India, drew attention to the grave impact of the climate crisis on India’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
“Children living in marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by climate change,” said Kar. “Many of them already struggle with poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, making their survival and development even more precarious.”
With over 30% of India’s population under the age of 14, the consequences of floods, cyclones, and droughts are especially severe. In recent years, extreme weather events have battered states like Assam, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, leaving thousands of children homeless, out of school, and exposed to hunger and disease.
Kar stressed that displacement due to climate disasters strips children of safety and stability. “Children face the trauma of losing their homes, communities, and even families. Displacement disrupts their education, increases their risk of exploitation, and pushes them into hazardous labour or even trafficking,” he said. For children who have already lost parental care, the impact is “much more severe,” he added, pointing to long-term emotional and cognitive damage caused by instability and trauma.
One of the most powerful tools to fight poverty—education—is under threat. According to Kar, “Schools are often destroyed or converted into relief camps during climate-related disasters, leading to prolonged periods of disruption. Children forced into migration struggle to enrol in new schools, and many drop out permanently due to economic hardships.”
He called for child-focused climate action from all sectors of society. “Governments, corporations, and civil society must work together to develop child-centered climate policies. Investing in climate adaptation strategies such as strengthening disaster preparedness, improving healthcare access, and ensuring every child has a safe, nurturing environment is not just a moral imperative but an investment in our collective future.”
Kar also advocated for child-friendly emergency infrastructure and training for communities to better respond to disasters. “Child-friendly emergency spaces, and community-based disaster response plans can significantly reduce casualties and long-term trauma. Schools and childcare institutions must be equipped with evacuation plans and safety drills to ensure children know how to respond. Training caregivers and local communities in disaster resilience can safeguard children’s futures.”
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