Rome, July 3 (LaPresse) – UNICEF reminds that by 2050, almost all children worldwide—about 2.2 billion—will be exposed to frequent heatwaves. Heat stress is a direct cause of child mortality, can affect children’s growth, and cause various pediatric illnesses. European cities are getting increasingly hotter: nearly half of the schools in European cities are located in “heat islands,” characterized by high temperatures that threaten the well-being of girls, boys, and adolescents, while about one in ten schools is in flood-prone areas. “UNICEF promotes the rights of girls, boys, and adolescents also in the context of climate change, encouraging their active participation in climate decisions and solutions. Children affected by climate-related disasters also suffer negative consequences on their mental health,” said Nicola Graziano, President of UNICEF Italy.