- New analysis by World Vision and the University of Galway finds that 73% of countries recognise hunger in their climate plans, but only 17% make it a priority.
- Children's hunger and nutrition needs remain largely overlooked in climate policy.
- While 67% of countries recognise children as climate stakeholders, just 8% provide funding to enable their meaningful participation in climate events and dialogue.
Dublin, 11 November 2026 – New analysis from the Hungry Futures Index 2.0 (HFI 2.0), a collaboration between World Vision and the University of Galway, has revealed a significant gap between governments' recognition of hunger as a climate challenge and their commitment to tackling it.
HFI 2.0, covering 83 countries and the European Union, found that while nearly three-quarters acknowledge hunger in their climate plans, fewer than one in five identify it as a priority. Children are among those most affected by climate change, but their specific nutrition needs are largely absent from national climate policies.
The findings, released as world leaders gather for COP31, identifies that while hunger and malnutrition are broadly recognised within national climate policies, explicit prioritisation and commitment to actions addressing these concerns, remains limited. The findings also reveal a clear child-specific gap: climate related hunger risks, faced by children, are far less visible in national climate policies.
For children already experiencing these impacts, the gaps in climate policy have real consequences.
"Once the drought occurs around our areas, most of the children lack food because agricultural production is so low. Most children do not have enough food or access to nutritious food." – Richard, 15, Tanzania
"I can see the effects of climate change in my community. There isn't enough rain, crops don't grow as well, and food becomes more expensive for families." – Joselyn, 11, Guatemala
The Index is endorsed by leading organisations working to tackle hunger and improve nutrition, including the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and GAIN (the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition).
The analysis found that children's specific nutrition needs are rarely reflected in climate plans, despite their heightened vulnerability to climate-related hunger and malnutrition. It also revealed a significant participation gap. While 67% of countries recognise children and young people as stakeholders in climate action, only 8% include dedicated funding to support their participation, limiting opportunities for children to help shape decisions that affect their futures.
Climate-related shocks, including droughts, floods and extreme weather events, continue to disrupt food systems, livelihoods and access to nutritious food. These impacts are often compounded by poverty, conflict, and fragile food systems, increasing the risk of hunger and malnutrition for children and their families.
As world leaders gather at COP31, the organisations supporting and endorsing HFI 2.0 are urging governments to place children at the centre of climate action. Recognising child hunger as a climate priority, investing in resilient food and nutrition systems, and creating meaningful opportunities for children and young people to participate in decision-making will be essential to building a more food-secure and climate-resilient future.
ENDS
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
For media interviews contact: Róisín Drayne, Senior Communications Manager, World Visio Ireland, Email: roisin.drayne@worldvision.ie. Phone: +353 87 4897066
About World Vision
World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. World Vision carries out lifesaving humanitarian efforts with investments from numerous partners, including institutional donors, faith-based organisations, corporations and governments. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.ie.