Climate change causes an increase in child brides / myLot

Rockingham, Australia

July 9, 2026 8:12pm CST

It may seem an odd fact, but when tropical storms hit poor Asian communities, it has a devastating effect on communities. A warmer atmosphere and rising sea temperatures increase the intensity of tropical storms, impacting heavily on families who find it hard to make ends meet in the best of times. When houses and livelihoods are destroyed by cyclones and/or natural disasters, families may feel they have no option but to allow their daughters to be married off to lessen the burden. Girls are regarded as part of their future husband’s family. In Bangladesh, after a natural disaster, child marriages can surge by up to 39%. South Asia accounts for most of the child marriages with Bangladesh having the highest rate in Asia. Fifty per cent of girls are married before they turn 18. The photo was taken in Nepal.

8 people like this

8 responses

Amber

@AmbiePam (122580)

• United States

Well, I guess that makes as good as an excuse as any for abhorrent behavior.

2 people like this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (384332)

• Rockingham, Australia

25m

True. There are groups that are trying to combat the practice. If an area is badly affected by a natural disaster there may not be too many options.

1 person likes this

George B Vieto

@Deepizzaguy (123087)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

I did not that for a fact. Thank you for sharing.

2 people like this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (384332)

• Rockingham, Australia

23m

You're welcome.

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (169959)

• United States

That is an interesting connection.

2 people like this

snowy

@snowy22315 (210355)

• United States

That's sad

2 people like this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (384332)

• Rockingham, Australia

22m

It is indeed.

rebelann1949

@rebelann (117621)

• El Paso, Texas

Native American tribes before the white man came thought of girls as women as soon as they began menstrating. I wonder if people 2000 years ago thought the same way.

2 people like this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (384332)

• Rockingham, Australia

23m

Quite likely they did but I don't know that.

Scott Ganschow

@teamfreak16 (44176)

• Denver, Colorado

I know it's part of the culture, but it just seems so odd to me.

2 people like this

Judy Story

@jstory07 (149090)

• Roseburg, Oregon

It is sad the girls have to become child brides at young ages.

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (384332)

• Rockingham, Australia

21m

I really feel for people who lose their homes and livelihoods through natural disasters.

Anna

@LadyDuck (504145)

• Italy

I hope that at least those young girls are treated with respect and not like slaves.

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (384332)

• Rockingham, Australia

26m

One mother was left with four children and had no option but to find a husband for the girl. However, after being married and having a baby, her new family has allowed her to go back to school which is great. I shouldn't imagine that happens very often but perhaps I'm wrong.

1 person likes this

Anna

@LadyDuck (504145)

• Italy

Just now

@JudyEv - Usually those poor young girls are not allowed to go back to school, they become like maids for the husband and the mother in law. I hope that many of them may have a decent life.