Which major child health outcome worldwide is most associated with climate change?

• A. Cost of living
• B. Education
• C. Nutrition
• D. Pollution

Answer: (C)

Climate change most directly threatens child health through nutrition. When climate shifts bring droughts, floods, and extreme heat, agricultural yields suffer and food prices rise, making it harder for families to secure enough calories and essential nutrients for children. Undernutrition in early childhood leads to stunting and wasting, weaker immune systems, greater susceptibility to infections, and slower physical and cognitive development, with long-term consequences for health and learning. These nutrition-related impacts are seen worldwide and are a central way climate change translates into poorer health outcomes for children. While pollution can worsen specific health problems like respiratory disease, and education or living costs are important but indirect determinants, nutrition is the major child health outcome most closely linked to climate change.