FIGIJ Advocacy Statement on Climate Change

Climate change is an escalating global crisis that disproportionately threatens the health and rights of children and adolescents, with girls facing particularly heightened vulnerability. Increasing temperatures, extreme weather events, food and water insecurity, and exposure to environmental toxins directly and indirectly affect sexual and reproductive health. These impacts include altered timing of menarche, worsened dysmenorrhea, increased risks of subfertility and pregnancy complications, and reduced access to essential reproductive health services. Broader climate-related instability further contributes to malnutrition, disruption of education, child marriage, displacement, and gender-based violence, compounding longstanding gender, socioeconomic, and geographic inequities. FIGIJ affirms climate change as a health emergency and aligns itself with international efforts calling for urgent, coordinated action. FIGIJ supports the development of strong coalitions between governments, health care systems, and communities to amplify the health care sector's voice in global and regional climate advocacy. Protecting the next generation requires coordinated efforts, effective collaboration, and an ongoing commitment to supporting a healthier, more resilient and equitable future.