Climate Change Threatens Health of Australian and New Zealand Children, MJA–Lancet Report Warns

Children and young people in Australia and New Zealand are facing escalating health risks from climate change, including more frequent heat waves and rising climate-related distress, according to the annual MJA–Lancet Countdown Oceania report. The report highlights that young Australians are experiencing widespread psychological impacts tied to climate concerns, while heat exposure poses direct physical threats. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy action to protect vulnerable populations, as the effects of a warming planet intensify across the region. The report serves as a critical call to prioritize child health in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, with future editions likely to track worsening trends if emissions remain unchecked.