The Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on Children in Thailand, authored by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) with the support of UNICEF Thailand, highlights that the most vulnerable children to climate change risks, such as droughts, heatwaves, and floods, are those living in the Northeastern and Southern regions of Thailand. The study’s risk map reveals that ten provinces, namely Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Surin, Songkhla, Buriram, Khon Kaen, and Surat Thani, are at high risk of climate change impacts between 2016 and 2035, particularly under the RCP4.5 scenario (moderate release of CO2).
To address these concerns, the study recommends implementing child-sensitive policies, including raising children’s awareness and knowledge about climate change, promoting the development of climate-resilient school and health infrastructure, and implementing child-centered early warning systems.
Thailand Development Research Institute and UNICEF (2022). Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on Children in Thailand