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regulations , making marginalised communities - particularly in rural areas - more vulnerable to the combined effects of heat waves and pollution .
Heat waves also worsen food insecurity . High temperatures can cause droughts , leading to crop failures and water shortages , which threaten children ’ s access to essential nutrients and hydration . Malnutrition further weakens their ability to cope with heat stress , creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability .
The consequences of these disparities are far-reaching and deeply troubling . Children from marginalised backgrounds not only face higher risks of heat-related illnesses but also endure long-term health impacts that affect their growth , development , and overall well-being . Addressing the unequal effects of heat waves is crucial to ensuring the health and equity of future generations .
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT
The psychological impact of heat waves on children should not be overlooked . Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause stress , anxiety , and feelings of helplessness , especially in children who see its adverse effects on their communities and environment .
The fear of future heat waves and the uncertainties of climate change can lead to a sense of insecurity and eco-anxiety , affecting their mental well-being over time .
MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION
Heatwaves , exacerbated by climate change , pose significant threats to both the environment and human health , echoing the Islamic principle of stewardship
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over the Earth . As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels , land and sea experience the detrimental consequences of human actions , as mentioned in the Quran :
“ Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [ reason of ] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [ the consequence of ] what they have done that perhaps they will return [ to righteousness ].” ( Quran , Ar-Rum , 30:41 )
Heat waves disrupt ecosystems and endanger vulnerable populations , especially children , who face prolonged exposure to extreme conditions . In these challenging times , humanity must reflect on its role as stewards of the Earth , a principle emphasised by Prophet Muhammad SAW . Recognising our duty to protect the environment is a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come .
Addressing the effects of heat waves on children requires a comprehensive approach , including policy interventions , community initiatives , and individual actions . Investing in climateresilient infrastructure , such as cooling centres and green spaces , can offer safe havens for children during extreme heat events .
Urban planning strategies that reduce heat exposure , like increasing tree canopy coverage and implementing cool roofs , can help mitigate the effects of urban heat islands . Public health campaigns and educational programs can raise awareness about heat-related risks and equip children and caregivers with preventive measures .
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SDG 3 : GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Sustainable Development Goal 3 ( SDG 3 ) aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages , with a particular focus on reducing child mortality and improving health outcomes . Heat waves , a growing concern due to climate change , pose a significant threat to children ’ s health , affecting their physical , mental and social well-being but also directly challenge the objectives of SDG3 .
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can exacerbate the children ’ s health conditions , which are particularly dangerous for young children . Moreover , the impacts of heat waves are disproportionately severe in low-resource settings where access to healthcare , adequate hydration , and cooling measures are limited , exacerbating inequalities in health outcomes .
This situation not only threatens to derail progress toward achieving SDG3 but also highlights the urgent need for integrated strategies that address climate resilience in healthcare planning and policy , particularly for vulnerable populations like children .
By addressing the impact of heat waves on children ’ s health , efforts can be made to achieve SDG3 by promoting measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensuring a healthy environment for children to thrive .
An appropriate implementation of adaptation strategies such as heatwave resilience in preschool can help mitigate the negative impacts of heatwaves on children ’ s health , aligning with the goals of SDG3 .
CONCLUSION
In conclusion , the increasing frequency and severity of heat waves due to climate change pose a significant challenge for communities worldwide , with children bearing a disproportionate share of the burden .
From physical health risks and educational disruptions to heightened social and economic disparities , the multifaceted impacts of heat waves on children highlight the urgent need for action .
Navigating these challenges requires us to embrace the principles of environmental stewardship emphasised by various cultural and religious traditions .
By acknowledging our collective responsibility to protect the environment and prioritising the well-being of vulnerable populations , we can take meaningful steps toward resilience and sustainability .
By embracing the mitigation strategies , we protect children ’ s health and well-being today and pave the way for a more resilient and equitable future . Confronting the challenges posed by heat waves and climate change together , we can build a brighter future for generations to come . – The HEALTH
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“ Heat waves disrupt ecosystems and endanger vulnerable populations , especially children , who face prolonged exposure to extreme conditions . In these challenging times , humanity must reflect on its role as stewards of the Earth , a principle emphasised by Prophet Muhammad SAW . ” |