Climate change could push about 40 million children in the world to stunted growth and 28 million more to waste by 2050, a new report has revealed.
A Race to Nourish a Warming World report by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation reveals that climate change is already impacting children’s health globally, and the situation is expected to worsen without urgent action.
“The world’s worst child health crisis is malnutrition. Today, more than 400 million children aren’t getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Climate change is making it even harder to solve this problem. To protect the world’s children from hunger’s worst effects, we must invest in global health,” says Bill Gates co-chair, of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to the report, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather events are disrupting food production systems, particularly in vulnerable regions. These disruptions are exacerbating existing food insecurity and malnutrition, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and poor health.
Health problem
The report reveals that malnutrition is not a health problem alone it affects the economies too. It is estimated that every year, the cost of undernutrition is three trillion dollars in productivity loss because malnutrition has stunted people’s physical and cognitive abilities. In low-income countries, that loss ranges from three to 16 per cent (or more) of GDP. It’s the equivalent of a permanent 2008-level global recession.
According to the report, today, one in every five of the world’s children suffers from stunting. Stunting among children has stalled at 24 per cent in 2023. The 2030 projection estimates that 23 per cent of children under age five years will be stunted missing the 2025 stunting target of 15 per cent. However, immediate interventions could mitigate these effects, enhance global health, and stimulate economic growth.
Extreme poverty
“It is clear malnutrition makes every forward step our species wants to take heavier and harder. But the inverse is also true. If we solve malnutrition, we make it easier to solve every other problem. We solve extreme poverty. Vaccines are more effective. And deadly diseases like malaria and pneumonia become far less fatal,” he reveals.
According to him, this is why there is an urgent need to jump-start a second global health boom by ensuring children receive the right nutrients. This is especially critical now, as we have more tools to help children stay healthier even as the planet faces rising temperatures. Over the past decade, the science of nutrition has undergone a renaissance.
Animal scientists have developed methods to breed more productive livestock, while food scientists have discovered innovative ways to fortify essential nutrients into common dietary staples such as salt, flour, and bouillon cubes. Additionally, doctors are beginning to unlock the mysteries of the microbiome—the complex ecosystem of bacteria living within our digestive tracts.
“No other global health issue requires a more large-scale solution than malnutrition. Every person on the planet needs access to a healthy, nutritious diet every day. These proven solutions can make a real impact now.”
The report recommends that investing in climate-smart agriculture is essential for enhancing food security while mitigating environmental impacts. By supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices, they will improve crop yields and resilience against climate change. This approach will not only benefit agricultural productivity but also contribute to the conservation of natural resources, ensuring that farming remains viable for future generations.
Additionally, the report highlights the need to strengthen social protection systems to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by climate-related disasters.
