Climate Crisis is a Child Crisis

Questions and Answers

What is the main objective of the AQUAMS project?

To develop recreational activities for students

To create a proactive approach to air pollution monitoring (correct)

To reduce the number of schools in Sabah

To provide funding for technological advancements

Who are the key partners involved in the AQUAMS project?

Only educational institutions in Sabah

Local businesses and government agencies

Private investors and international corporations

Environment Protection Department Sabah and UNICEF (correct)

Which group is specifically targeted to become 'citizen scientists' in the AQUAMS project?

Local government officials

Students and their communities (correct)

Teachers and parents

Environmental activists

What is one of the key components of the AQUAMS initiative?

Implementing capacity-building workshops Signup and view all the answers

The AQUAMS project aligns with which policy objective?

To implement a climate and air quality monitoring program Signup and view all the answers

Which factors contribute to children suffering the most during the climate crisis?

Children's inability to influence policies Signup and view all the answers

What is one major consequence of climate change on vulnerable children?

They are trapped in a cycle of increased poverty Signup and view all the answers

What does UNICEF's 2021 Children Climate Risk Index indicate about children in Malaysia?

They face 'extremely high' exposure to climate and environmental shocks Signup and view all the answers

What approach is suggested to enhance child sensitivity in climate policies?

Integrate child-focused strategies into disaster risk policies Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated financial loss caused by the 'one hundred year' flood in December 2021 in Malaysia?

RM6.1 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which district in Johor had the highest impact from flooding in 2023?

Mersing Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the goals in supporting young people to respond to climate issues?

To foster skills for climate advocacy and resilience Signup and view all the answers

How can strengthening the sustainability of services help protect children during a climate crisis?

By providing long-term support in crisis response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a consequence of air pollution in Malaysia?

Bone diseases Signup and view all the answers

What role do low carbon energy sources play in addressing the climate crisis for children?

They promote more sustainable and healthier communities for children Signup and view all the answers

How many significant natural disaster events did Malaysia experience between 1998 and 2018?

51 Signup and view all the answers

Which program aims to enhance disaster preparedness within schools?

School Preparedness Programmes Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for creating and sustaining demand for affordable, sustainable products for children?

Influencing and supporting sustainable markets for children Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population in Malaysia is exposed to floods compared to other ASEAN member states?

The highest Signup and view all the answers

What type of air pollution is prevalent in Malaysia?

Seasonal and transboundary pollution Signup and view all the answers

How many temporary evacuation centers were opened in Johor throughout the year 2023?

461 Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of transboundary haze on education in Malaysia?

Closure of schools impacting students Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change impact vulnerable children in Malaysia?

It makes them even more vulnerable to poverty and health issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested solution to address disaster risk awareness in children?

Run programs to educate children about disaster risks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of poverty mentioned in relation to climate change?

Increases in malnutrition and poor mental health. Signup and view all the answers

What role do teachers play in combating disaster risks for children?

They are tasked with delivering disaster risk awareness modules. Signup and view all the answers

What could empower young people in vulnerable communities?

Promote engagement in citizen science. Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the impact of floods on basic infrastructure in vulnerable communities?

Floods disrupt access to schools and clinics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of donations to UNICEF in this context?

Funding disaster education programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major health risk associated with air pollution for children?

Higher rates of respiratory illnesses Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of children below 15 years old breathe polluted air?

93% Signup and view all the answers

How many children under 5 die from air pollution annually?

600,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor affecting air quality monitoring stations?

Consistent power supply Signup and view all the answers

What impact did transboundary haze have on schools?

Closure of schools Signup and view all the answers

How many children live in areas exceeding the maximum air pollution exposure limit set by WHO?

450 million Signup and view all the answers

What role can adolescents play in their communities regarding air quality?

Acting as agents of change Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is crucial for strengthening the ecosystem of actors addressing air quality?

Engaging and supporting youth initiatives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Climate Crisis: A Child Crisis

Children are disproportionately affected by climate change despite having contributed minimally to its cause.
Vulnerable children face intensified suffering, caught in a poverty cycle exacerbated by climate impacts.

Current Situation in East Asia and Pacific

The region has seen significant climate emergencies affecting children's welfare and responsibilities for solutions.
Children experience acute exposure to environmental shocks, leading to severe consequences.

Impact in Malaysia

UNICEF's 2021 Children Climate Risk Index highlights “extremely high” exposure for Malaysian children to climate hazards.
Malaysia records the highest percentage of population exposed to floods in ASEAN, particularly from 2012-2019, causing catastrophic human and economic losses.
Significant natural disasters in Malaysia (51 events from 1998-2018) have resulted in 281 deaths and US$2 billion in damages.
Air pollution presents serious health risks, contributing to diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

Specific Areas Affected

In 2023, over 20,000 families in Johor were impacted by disasters, with 89,000 individuals affected.
Major floods in districts like Mersing, Batu Pahat, and Kota Tinggi have become annual occurrences, creating challenges for public safety and infrastructure.

Air Pollution Crisis

Annually, 600,000 children under five die from air pollution, with 93% of children below 15 exposed to polluted air.
Approximately 450 million children in the East Asia and Pacific region live in areas exceeding WHO air quality limits.
Seasonal air pollution and transboundary haze have resulted in school closures and disrupted education for 1.7 million students.

Initiatives in Malaysia

The Air Quality Monitoring in Schools (AQUAMS) project promotes youth engagement in climate issues, aiming for community-based air quality data collection.
Youth Environment Living Lab (YELL) and School Preparedness Programmes (SPP) foster disaster preparedness and climate awareness among students.

Strategic Approaches

Emphasis on strengthening sustainability of services that protect children from climate impacts.
Promotion of child-sensitive climate policies and programs for disaster risk and recovery.
Support for low-carbon energy solutions and the establishment of resilient communities.

Future Directions

Advocacy for investments in climate education and disaster risk awareness among children.
Encouragement for youth to pursue green careers and participate in citizen science initiatives.
Calls for public donations to support programs aimed at enhancing children's awareness of climate issues and fostering community resilience.

Conclusion

The climate crisis increasingly threatens the future of vulnerable children, deepening socioeconomic struggles and hampering development.
Urgent action is needed to ensure children's rights to a safe and healthy environment in the face of growing climate challenges.

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Description

Explore the pressing relationship between climate change and its impact on children, particularly in the East Asia and Pacific Region. This quiz delves into the injustices faced by children, highlighting that they are not responsible for the climate emergency but bear the consequences. Engage with critical concepts and reflect on the implications for future generations.