UNICEF reported that nearly 250 million children missed school due to extreme weather events last year, signifying major educational interruptions worldwide. With low-income nations most affected, the report reveals the urgent need for schools to adapt to the growing climate crises and protect children’s right to education.
According to a recent report by UNICEF, nearly 250 million children experienced interruptions to their education last year due to extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This amounts to approximately one in seven school-aged children worldwide affected by these climate-related events. Low-income countries, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, faced severe impacts, with numerous schools destroyed.
The report highlights that more than 118 million children had their schooling interrupted in just April when an intense heatwave swept across the Middle East and Asia. Countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan were severely affected by both heatwaves and subsequent flooding, resulting in numerous school closures. Meanwhile, southern Europe struggled with devastating floods affecting hundreds of thousands of students.
UNICEF’s executive director noted that children are particularly vulnerable to climate-induced crises. Their bodies function differently from adults, making it harder for them to cope with extreme heat. Additionally, physical barriers such as flooded paths to school contribute to their inability to attend classes.
The impact of climatic extremes is disproportionately felt within middle- and low-income countries, which account for 74% of those affected. Conditions exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon continue to threaten education in regions like southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, where children have faced prolonged school absences due to severe weather events.
UNICEF underscored that the majority of schools worldwide are inadequately equipped to handle the repercussions of extreme weather, leaving them vulnerable to destruction. Cyclones and severe storms in regions such as Mayotte and Mozambique have resulted in significant losses of educational infrastructure, further jeopardizing children’s access to education.
The data presented in UNICEF’s report illustrates the acute educational disruptions faced by children globally due to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Climate change remains a pressing issue, with low-income nations disproportionately affected, which results in long-term impacts on the education system and the future opportunities for millions of children worldwide. As we face ongoing climate crises, the need for resilient educational systems becomes more critical.
In summary, nearly 250 million children missed school last year due to climate-related disruptions, with extreme weather events impacting particularly low-income countries. The report by UNICEF highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and resilience within educational systems to protect children from future disruptions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for safeguarding educational opportunities and the well-being of children globally.
Original Source: www.wral.com