Climate change and unhealthy living could impact the future of your grandchildren, experts say, as Australia is ranked one of the worst countries for greenhouse gas emitters in the world.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have released a report declaring the health and future of every child and adolescent worldwide is under immediate threat from ecological degradation, climate change and the prominence of fatty and sugary foods and drink.

The experts compared performance on child survival and wellbeing, based on health, education, nutrition and sustainability, as well as greenhouse gas emissions and equity or income gaps in 180 countries. And while Australia ranked 20th for child survival, it was named one of the worst greenhouse gas emitters.

This caused serious concern for WHO and UNICEF, which both called for a reduction of CO2 emissions and the improvement of policy for child health and rights to ensure the children of today have a lasting and prosperous future.

The Australian National University’s, Dr Liz Hanna, said what was once deemed the lucky country has become an “international laggard that is failing its children”. She said the country has well and truly lost its way and is, “squandering its opportunities to secure a safe and healthy future for our children”.

According to the experts, it’s a real worry for today’s children, with fears they may not grow up in a blissful, healthy and safe environment. But are their concerns any more worrying than the ones made when you were kids in the post-war era?

For those born in the 1950s and ’60s going to university wasn’t always an option; for some money was tight and your parents couldn’t afford to let you study, while others even dropped out of school before reaching their final year to help out around the home or at the family business. This is a far cry to nowadays, where the government provides financial support to its people so they can follow their career dreams.

There have also been advances in healthcare in the last 60 or so years. The rates of cancer have dropped, as has the number of heart attacks, with new medical advances regularly being made. Due to this, the life expectancy of Aussies has increased significantly, and nowadays it’s not unusual for people to live until they’re well into their 90s.

According to the experts though, these new issues are major threats for the young people of today and something which everyone needs to take seriously. Lifestyle changes and the increase of technology have been highlighted as some of the main contributors, as kids spend far more time glued to a screen inside, instead of playing outdoors.

Others have blamed marketing of unhealthy foods and the reliance on motor vehicles, which have contributed to deteriorating levels of air quality, for ruining the futures of children. Hanna said the country is experiencing an environmental meltdown, with pollution wreaking havoc on the air, food and water.

She sent a stern warning to those who deny climate change is an issue and said we are facing an existential risk.

“I ask myself again — who is running this country? Representatives who serve the Australian people, or the coal industry?” Hanna said. “Let’s learn the salient lessons of this summer of horrors, turn this country around, and prioritise our children’s future. Children deserve a future. Their demands are reasonable. We must not fail them.”