Climate Shocks Drive Rising Child Marriage, Pregnancy, and Violence Against Girls, Study Finds

A new report by Plan International shows that floods, droughts, cyclones and extreme heat are destroying the health and education services girls rely on, pushing many into early marriage, unintended pregnancy and violence. Across 52 countries, one in ten girls personally experienced an unintended pregnancy after a climate event, while 33 % reported a rise in such pregnancies in their community. Similarly, one in ten girls married before 18, and 36 % saw more early unions in their communities following disasters. Over a quarter of girls noted increased violence, and 76 % struggled to access at least one health service, rising to 84 % in drought‑affected areas. Minority girls face double the service barriers and triple the pregnancy risk. The study links slow‑onset drought to the most consistent rise in child marriage, as families lose harvests and livestock. With El Niño expected to intensify, Plan urges governments and donors to keep schools open, earmark climate finance for adolescent reproductive health, include menstrual products and contraception in emergency kits, and prioritize the most marginalised girls.