UNICEF Italy joins in worldwide climate demonstration Spokesperson Iacomini says it's a duty to listen to youth

(ANSAmed) - ROME, MARCH 14 - UNICEF Italy spokesperson Andrea Iacomini said the organisation supports the youth involved in the worldwide protest movement for climate change.



"Tomorrow, thousands of young people will participate in the 'Global Climate Strike for Future', the worldwide demonstration to call for concrete interventions against global warming, pollution, and climate change," Iacomini said.



"I can only say that I am with these young people and this great battle: their future is at stake and the governments of the entire world still aren't doing enough to save it. That's why I am announcing that UNICEF Italy has decided to participate in the worldwide demonstration," Iacomini said.



"According to the World Health Organization, every year there are seven million deaths as a result of exposure to sources of pollution. Children are among the groups that are most at risk.



The UNICEF study 'Danger in the Air: How Air Pollution Can Affect Brain Development in Young Children' shows how there are nearly 17 million children less than a year old who live in areas in which air pollution is at least six times higher than international limits. These children breathe toxic air that potentially puts their brain development at risk. Over three-fourths of them (12 million) live in South Asia. In Europe 500,000 deaths each year are due to the effects of pollution," Iacomini said.



"Children's well-being in all aspects depends on the environment in which they live, and that's why it is necessary starting now to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to reduce global warming. Climate disasters, the spreading of vector-borne diseases, water scarcity and rising sea levels are all phenomena that can undermine the fundamental rights of children, especially those in conditions of poverty. UNICEF is working every day to ensure that all children can enjoy the best health possible, as stated in Article 24 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child," he said.



"We are calling on institutions to promote policies that contribute to reduce children's exposure to damaging agents and sources of polluted air, also through the adoption of measures that improve the knowledge of and monitoring of pollution.



Children and teens themselves are calling for immediate answers: tomorrow is already too late. We need to act now," he said.(ANSAmed).



