“Addressing Pollution Is Paramount As It Affects Children Worldwide”: UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey

UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey has emphasized the critical need for India’s active involvement in combating climate change at both global and domestic levels.

“The most important thing is that India is engaged at the global level, whether it’s the most recent meeting at COP 29, its own national plan for climate change, or the state-level climate action plans,” she stated.

McCaffrey highlighted the importance of India’s role in driving transformative changes on the global stage. “It is crucial for India to engage globally because the world needs to implement transformative changes. At the same time, India’s national and state-level initiatives are equally vital.”

Addressing the harmful effects of pollution on children, McCaffrey described it as a pressing concern. “Addressing pollution is paramount as it affects children worldwide, including here in India, ensuring they can stay in school safely,” she said.

She stressed how pollution impedes children’s ability to live and learn in a safe environment, drawing attention to the urgency of ensuring clean air. “When considering the broader impact of climate change on children, air pollution is a top priority. It must be addressed so that children can breathe clean air, here in Delhi and around the world.”

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McCaffrey also reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global shift to online learning for children. “The pandemic taught us how to transition to online learning quickly. Children around the world, including in India, adapted to this change.”

While acknowledging the challenges introduced by this shift, she underscored the importance of tackling air pollution to protect children’s health and ensure their uninterrupted access to education.

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