The Climate Threat Global Challenges

UN: Extreme heat increases risks during pregnancy

The UN warns that extreme heat is becoming an increasingly serious threat to pregnant women and newborns, potentially leading to stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight, AFP reports.

Ahead of COP31, UN climate chief Simon Stiell cited a study by the health research foundation Wellcome, which shows that pregnant women exposed to heatwaves face a 25 percent higher risk of pregnancy complications.

Wellcome Chair Julia Gillard told *The Independent* that healthcare systems often lack the tools and training to manage the consequences.

"Extreme heat is an invisible killer, but pregnant women must not be invisible," she told the newspaper.

Report: Climate crisis increases risk of child marriage

As climate delegates gathered in Fiji ahead of COP31, the children's rights organization Plan International warned that climate disasters increase the risk of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and violence against girls, AFP reports.

The report shows that climate change makes it harder for girls to stay in school, access sufficient food, and feel safe, according to *The Independent*.

According to Plan International, prolonged drought was the climate threat most clearly linked to an increase in child marriages. When families lose crops and livestock, economic pressure mounts, leaving girls more vulnerable.