Strategies and interventions to reduce children's vulnerability to climate change: a scoping review

Climate change presents serious risks to children's health worldwide, highlighting the need for effective interventions. This study aimed to map and categorize strategies that reduce the health impacts of climate change on children.

A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus identified peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2015 and 2025. Studies focusing on children and adolescents (0-18 years) and reporting climate-related health interventions, strategies, or policy responses were eligible for inclusion.

A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Identified interventions were categorized into seven groups: preventive, adaptive, integrated preventive-adaptive, community-based, educational and awareness-based, mental health resilience, and disaster preparedness interventions. Most studies focused on preventive strategies, particularly those addressing exposure to air pollution, heat, and vector-borne diseases. Community-level interventions were predominant, while individual-level, structural, and mental health-focused strategies were less frequently reported. Methodological rigor varied across studies, with economic modeling approaches generally providing stronger evidence than many behavioral or community-based programs. Significant evidence gaps were identified, particularly concerning infants, marginalized populations, and urban poor children.

Current evidence highlights a predominance of preventive and community-based approaches to reducing children's vulnerability to climate change, alongside notable gaps in equity-focused and mental health interventions. More integrated, multi-level strategies supported by standardized evaluation frameworks are needed to strengthen the effectiveness and equity of climate-related health interventions for children.