UNICEF reports that in 2024, 242 million children were unable to attend school due to extreme weather, affecting predominantly low-income regions. Heat waves, floods, and other climate-related incidents severely disrupted education, highlighting a significant global challenge. Prolonged heat waves in particular contributed to educational interruptions, severely impacting children’s learning and wellbeing.
A recent UNICEF report reveals that 242 million children in 85 countries experienced educational disruptions in the previous year due to extreme weather conditions such as heat waves, cyclones, and floods. This statistic indicates that one in seven school-aged children worldwide faced interruptions due to climate-related hazards. In particular, low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were disproportionately affected, with considerable damage to infrastructure causing widespread school closures.
This alarming trend is primarily attributed to the increasing incidence of climate change-related disasters, which are particularly severe in vulnerable regions. The report highlights significant incidents where hundreds of schools were destroyed by extreme weather, further emphasizing the urgent need for resilience in educational systems. This situation calls attention to the broader implications of climate change on children’s access to education and overall wellbeing, underscoring the necessity for immediate global action.
The findings presented by UNICEF underscore the profound impact of climate change on children’s education, revealing that millions were kept out of school during 2024 due to various extreme weather events. It stresses that educational systems, particularly in poorer regions, are ill-equipped to handle such crises. The urgent need to enhance the resilience of schools and protect children’s right to education is more critical than ever, as they face increasing vulnerability to climate-related challenges.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
