Core Issues
“The Parties should protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind, on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.” –UNFCCC, Article 3 (1)
The work of 2050kids is informed by findings from international agencies, which focus on six critical issues most severely impacted by climate change.
- Agriculture And Food Security
- Global Health
- Extreme Heat
- Sea Level Rise
- Disaster Risk Reduction
- Displacement And Migration
1. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
Climate Change could cut global food output 18% by 2050. While investment in infrastructure and irrigation are key to global food security, it will take at least 15 years to identify the most effective interventions.
Food Security, Climate Change, and Farming to 2050
-International Food Policy Research Institute
2. GLOBAL HEALTH
By 2050, global climate change will have a major impact on public health. Between 2030 and 2050, heat stress, diarrheal diseases, malaria, and malnutrition could cause up to 250,000 additional deaths annually.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Working Group II.
-The Global Climate and Health Alliance
Our Health, Our Planet Our Future: Human Health and the Rio Conventions.
-World Health Organization
A Human Health Perspective on Climate Change
-National Institute of Health
3. EXTREME HEAT
“It is an established fact that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions have led to an increased frequency and/or intensity of some weather and climate extremes since pre-industrial time, in particular for temperature extremes.” IPCC 6, Chapter 11
Heatwaves to impact almost every child on earth by 2050: UNICEF report
Urban Extreme Heat Exposure Has Tripled Since the 1980s, Study Shows: YaleEnvironment360
4. SEA LEVEL RISE
“By 2050, 800 million people will live in cities where sea levels could rise by more than half a metre. Many coastal communities around the world already live with the threat from sea level rise and coastal flooding; where climate impacts can drown neighbourhoods, put people’s lives at risk and wreak economic havoc.” C40 Cities
Climate Change-induced Sea-Level Rise Direct Threat to Millions around World, Secretary-General Tells Security Council. United Nations
Sea Level Rise Could Drive 1 in 10 People from Their Homes
5. DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
“In 2022, the Emergency Event Database EM-DAT recorded 387 natural hazards and disasters worldwide, resulting in the loss of 30,704 lives and affecting 185 million individuals. Economic losses totaled around US$ 223.8 billion.” Relief Web
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, – United Nations
6. DISPLACEMENT AND MIGRATION
Children will bear the brunt of the impact of climate change because of their increased risk of health problems, malnutrition and migration.” – IPCC 5th Assessment Report
By 2050, nearly 1.2 billion people could become climate refugees, forced from their homes by sea level rise, desertification, and the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Children are most at risk of not surviving relocation.
In Search of Shelter – UNFCCC
Climate Change Is Fueling Migration. Do Climate Migrants Have Legal Protections? – Council on Foreign Relations