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About Two Million Cambodian Children Live in High/Very High Climate Risk Areas – UNICEF Report

A woman carries her baby while waiting for treatment at Kantha Bopha Hospital on January 17, 2025. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)
A woman carries her baby while waiting for treatment at Kantha Bopha Hospital on January 17, 2025. (CamboJA/Pring Samrang)

Six million children in Cambodia face increasing climate and environmental risks, exacerbated by poverty, systemic discrimination and marginalization, and disability, a UNICEF report on Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) revealed.

The newly launched report called for urgent action to protect vulnerable youth, particularly in rural areas and in Cambodia’s northeastern region.

Cambodia ranks 46 out of 163 countries in UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index 2021, which places it among nations that face the highest climate risks. 

Nearly two million children, representing one-third of Cambodia’s youth, live in areas with “high or very high climate risk”. Key vulnerabilities include exposure to drought (one-third of children), heat, vector-borne diseases, high wind speed (over half of children), and riverine floods (nearly half of children). About half the number of children are exposed to air pollution levels exceeding WHO guidelines.

The report highlights critical vulnerabilities, particularly in rural areas, calling for stronger child protection services integrated into climate change adaptation strategies. Localized data at the commune level provides a detailed picture of risks, enabling policymakers to design targeted interventions.

“The CCRI for Cambodia serves as a powerful tool for collective action, empowering leaders, communities, and especially youth and children, to take concrete steps in mitigating and addressing the impacts of climate change,” Will Parks, UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, said during the launch.

The information also serves as input for designing interventions and educational programs on climate risks aimed at helping children and their families better understand the threats they face and prepare for climate change and disasters, he added.

Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth stressed that the CCRI is crucial in that it provides additional roadmaps for the government. 

“It ensures that disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies are integrated and focused on the needs of children and youth,” he mentioned at the launch. The findings could guide educational programs and interventions to help children and their families better prepare for climate risks.

Cambodia Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance coordinator Sompoy Chansophea observed that in Ratanakiri, changing weather patterns have resulted in an increase in respiratory diseases and cold among children, especially in rural communities. 

“With climate change, there are many diseases affecting the old and young in our communities now, especially respiratory issues, which have become common,” he said.

With regards to the protection of children, local authorities and health centers have, however, been actively promoting child vaccination in rural areas, he added.

Phoy Vanna, 58, a member of Preah Rumkel Ecotourism Community, expressed concern about the health impacts on the children in the community as a result of climate change. He said a large number of them suffered from fever, including those with existing respiratory conditions. During the rainy season, floods worsen the situation, forcing families to temporarily move to safer areas.

“The most important impact is on children from poor backgrounds who face health problems and difficulties traveling to school by water,” he said.

He shared that children whose families are poor are particularly vulnerable. Limited access to healthcare, basic care, and education makes it even harder for these children to cope with the challenges posed by climate change.

However, Vanna noted that the authorities, in collaboration with local organizations, have been educating citizens on how to protect themselves during floods. In the meantime, he noticed the Mekong River water level has decreased significantly over time, which he attributed to the construction of hydroelectric dams and broader impacts of climate change.

Ministry of Environment spokesperson Khvay Atiya did not respond to CamboJA News on whether there was a plan to resolve the issue of growing vulnerability among children in Cambodia due to climate risks.

Instead, he talked about Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, achieving carbon neutrality, and addressing the challenges of climate change.

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