UNICEF reports that nearly 250 million children missed school last year due to extreme weather, affecting one in seven school-aged children worldwide. The severe climate impacts notably disrupted education in low-income countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, underscoring the urgent need for resilient educational frameworks.
UNICEF reported that nearly 250 million children were unable to attend school last year due to extreme weather events, impacting approximately one in seven school-aged children globally. The report highlights that at least 242 million children in 85 countries faced educational disruptions from various climate hazards such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding.
Countries particularly affected include low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which experienced severe weather resulting in the destruction of hundreds of schools. Notably, southern Europe also witnessed significant educational interruptions, with Italy and Spain experiencing catastrophic flooding that affected over 900,000 children.
UNICEF identified heatwaves as the main climate hazard that closed schools in 2024, coinciding with the hottest recorded year on Earth. In April alone, more than 118 million children were affected when regions in the Middle East and Asia faced extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasized the distinct vulnerability of children to weather-related crises. She noted that children’s physiological differences make them more susceptible to heat, and that extreme conditions hinder their ability to attend school or concentrate in classes.
Approximately 74% of the affected children were in middle- and low-income nations, highlighting the ongoing impact of climate change on impoverished communities. Events in Pakistan and Afghanistan saw devastating flooding damage hundreds of schools, while El Niño worsened drought conditions in southern Africa, jeopardizing the education of millions.
The reports of Cyclone Chido and Tropical Storm Dikeledi further illustrated the plight of education systems in impoverished regions, leading to extensive school closures in Mayotte and Mozambique. UNICEF underscored that global education systems remain ill-equipped to address the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.
The impact of climate change on education is a growing concern, particularly as extreme weather events become more prevalent. Schools are crucial for children’s development and learning, yet climatic extremes such as floods, heatwaves, and storms compromise access to education. UNICEF’s report sheds light on the scale of this issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where children’s education is profoundly affected by environmental crises.
The alarming statistics reported by UNICEF reveal the detrimental effects of climate change on children’s education worldwide, with millions missing school due to extreme weather. The ongoing vulnerabilities faced by children, especially in low-income regions, necessitate urgent attention and action. As extreme weather events are projected to increase, there is a pressing need to fortify educational systems against such disruptions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
