IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ON CHILDREN'S WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT.

By: Annabella Araba Essilfie 

 Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, which can have various impact on the environment. These impacts include the intensity of natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, rising sea levels and changes in the ecosystem. All of these factors can contribute to Environmental Degradation. However, Environmental Degradation can be caused by other factors such as; air pollution, deforestation and many others. 

Over the years, some scholars and health practitioners such as; D. Parker, Donna. L. Goodman, Selim Itus, Olivier Deschenes, Janet Currie and many others have taken into consideration the impact of Climate change on Children.

 All of these scholars have come to a resolution that Climate Change has negative impact on children. They all outline Health effects, Displacement and Migration, Food and Water security, mental health and others as effects climate change has on children. They also believe that it is necessary to preserve the environment for our future generations. 

Climate Change results in Environmental Degradation. Where Environmental Degradation is the destruction of the natural environment due to various human activities. Examples of these activities include; deforestation, illegal fish farming, industrial activities, mining, urbanization, e t.c. 

Environmental Degradation can have wide ranging impacts on both the environment and human well-being. It can lead to reduced availability of clean water and air, soil erosion and the disruption of the ecosystem. These changes have negative consequences for agriculture, food security and human health. 

The negative impacts of environmental degradation has a great effect on children's welfare and development. Moreover, the rise in Environmental Degradation only increases the higher risks of recording negative consequences on children and the older generation in general. However, children suffer higher effects and risks.

Environmental Degradation can lead to various health problems in children such as; respiratory issues, allergies and developmental delays in their health.

 Environmental Degradation can also disrupt children's access to education. For example; natural disasters can damage schools and infrastructure which makes it difficult for children to attend classes regularly or to an extent drop out of school.

Studies have also shown that exposure to environmental pollutants can negatively impact children's cognitive development ( i.e the growth and changes that occur in a person's thinking abilities and mental processes overtime). This can lead to learning difficulties and lower IQ scores.

Environmental Degradation also affects children's emotional well-being. Living in a degraded environment can lead children to experience stress, anxiety and depression. This can be due to the loss of natural habitats, pollution or climate change related events. This also affects their mental health as well. 

Children growing up in degraded environments may face limited opportunities in terms of employment and economic growth. This limits the future opportunities these children will be able to access hence, they end up being less productive in the future. 

Ghana and Africa at large has been exposed to various activities that causes environmental degradation. 

Children from our parts of the world have been affected most by Climate change and Environmental Degradation. Children are seen dropping out of school because of various activities from human and industrial activities. 

We believe that it is about time we focus more on our future generation and their well-being.

Our children do not need to suffer the consequences of climate change and Environmental Degradation when they contributed nothing to it.

#consideringchildrenwellbeing

#thefuturegenerationmustcount