INDIA'S CHILD CRISIS

India stands at a pivotal point in addressing the needs and challenges of its children.

With the largest child population globally, the nation's children are not only its present but also its future. However, the path forward is fraught with demographic shifts, environmental vulnerabilities, and gaps in access to technology and education.

THE LARGEST CHILD POPULATION, YET DECLINING NUMBERS

By the 2050s, India is projected to have an estimated 350 million children, making it home to the largest number of children worldwide. This will account for 14.9% of the global child population. However, the country is also experiencing a significant demographic transition. Compared to previous decades, the number of children in India will decline by approximately 106 million. This reduction reflects changing fertility rates and the ongoing transformation in population dynamics.

Urbanization will play a significant role, with more children expected to grow up in cities. These demographic shifts highlight the urgent need for policies and resources tailored to the evolving needs of India's younger generations.

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

India's children are among the most vulnerable globally to the impacts of climate change. Extreme heatwaves, cyclones, and floods pose increasing threats, with projections indicating greater exposure to these events by the 2050s.

The consequences are already visible: air pollution, a major issue in India, has severe effects on children's health, contributing to asthma, neurological disorders, and other long-term health problems. Rising temperatures and environmental degradation also threaten food security and access to clean water, which are critical for child survival and development.