Muscat – Children and adolescents are among the most exposed to the accelerating impacts of climate change in Oman, the first national assessment has found, warning that rising temperatures, water stress and extreme weather are disrupting access to health care, education, clean water and nutrition.

The Climate Landscape Analysis for Children and Adolescents, prepared by the government in cooperation with the Environment Authority, Unicef and national partners, is the first comprehensive study in the sultanate to focus on children within climate policy. It aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the National Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy (2020–2040) and the pledge to reach net zero by 2050.

The report states that Oman’s more than 1.4mn young people ‘represent a vital national asset’ and should be treated as partners in building resilience rather than passive victims of climate change.

Citing World Bank data, the study notes a sharp rise in heatwave days – defined as days when temperatures exceed 35°C. In the early 1990s, Oman recorded 30 to 40 such days annually. By 2011–2020, the figure had surpassed 60 days a year.

Tropical nights, when temperatures do not fall below 20°C, increased from about 120 per year in the 1990s to more than 180 by 2020. The lack of night-time cooling, the report says, intensifies heat stress and affects children’s sleep, health and learning.

Under high-emission scenarios, Oman could face an additional 20 to 30 heatwave days per year by mid-century. The findings underscore the need to strengthen adaptation in urban planning, health infrastructure and energy systems.

Impact across sectors

The report examines six sectors: health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, energy and social protection. It finds that climate risks compound existing vulnerabilities, particularly for children with disabilities, those from low-income families and those in remote areas.

In health, Oman has introduced early warning systems for heat-related illness and upgraded facilities. However, gaps remain in psychological support, paediatric training and equitable access in distant governorates.

In nutrition, reliance on food imports leaves the country exposed to global climate shocks. Extreme weather can disrupt school feeding programmes that many vulnerable children depend on.

In education, digital platforms and stronger infrastructure have helped maintain learning during cyclones and heatwaves. Yet repeated disruptions are affecting outcomes, especially in rural areas with limited connectivity and ageing school buildings. The report calls for climate-focused curricula and universal Internet access in schools.

Water and sanitation services have expanded, but continuity during floods, cyclones and salinity intrusion remains a concern in coastal and arid regions.

Recommendations

While Oman has built what the report describes as a robust climate policy framework, children remain ‘systematically underrepresented’ in planning and financing processes.

The study proposes several measures, including integrating child-sensitive risk assessments into policies and budgets, creating a national climate and children data platform, and establishing a permanent Adolescents Climate Council with participation in UN climate change COP meetings.

It also calls for prioritised funding to adapt schools, health centres and water facilities in high-risk areas, more adaptive social protection mechanisms, and a joint working group on children and climate under the Environment Authority.

The report concludes that Oman can position itself as a regional model by embedding children’s rights at the centre of climate action. ‘By moving from the protection to the empowerment phase, the country can enable children and adolescents to be leaders in climate action.’