From 2016 through 2021, floods, fires, storms, and other extreme weather events displaced 134 people, including 43 million children, according to UNICEF. The organization projects that over the next thirty years this number could rise nearly threefold, with about 113 million children expected to be forced from their homes due to climate-related disasters. The estimate relies on models predicting more frequent floods, stronger hurricanes, and other climate-driven hazards.
UNICEF notes that the impending reality is harsher for children, as climate change continues to intensify. Laura Healy, a UNICEF migration expert and one of the report’s contributors, emphasizes that more children will bear the consequences of climate disruption in the years ahead.
The report highlights that nearly half of refugee children lost their homes during a hurricane event. In addition, about 19 million cases involve minors displaced by floods in India and China, while forest fires in the United States and Canada affected around 810,000 young people.
When forecasting future risk, the analysis does not account for potential protective actions or mitigation measures that could lessen the impact of natural disasters, wildfires, or droughts. The omission underscores the scale of exposure children face if resilience improvements are not accelerated.
Experts point out that children are especially vulnerable to climate shocks because they rely on adults and caregivers for safety, nutrition, healthcare, and protection. This dependence can leave young people at greater risk of harm during and after disaster events, including abuse, separation, and educational disruption.
Historical patterns indicate that climate-driven displacement often compounds existing inequalities, making it harder for affected families to regain stability. UNICEF underscores the need for child-centered responses that protect rights, ensure safe relocation when necessary, and preserve access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and psychosocial support. The report calls for international cooperation to strengthen early warning systems, community-based disaster risk reduction, and sustainable housing solutions in vulnerable regions.
For policymakers and practitioners, the findings stress the urgency of integrating child protection with climate adaptation strategies. Investments in resilient infrastructure, safe shelters, and social safety nets can reduce the frequency and severity of displacement. UNICEF also advocates for transparent data collection on displacement patterns to guide targeted aid and to track progress toward safeguarding children during climate crises.
Ultimately, the report makes a clear case that protecting children from climate-related displacement is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action across governments, communities, and international organizations. By prioritizing prevention, rapid response, and long-term recovery that centers children’s well-being, societies can lessen the human toll of a warming world.