UNICEF reports that nearly 250 million children missed school last year due to extreme weather events, affecting one in seven school-going children globally. The education systems, particularly in low-income countries, face significant challenges as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones disrupt schooling. Immediate action is needed to fortify educational infrastructure against climate-related disasters.
According to a recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), nearly 250 million children experienced interruptions to their education last year due to extreme weather events. This figure encompasses approximately 242 million children across 85 nations who faced challenges such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding in the year 2024. As a result, one in seven school-going children worldwide missed class because of climate-related hazards.
The report highlights that significant educational disruptions occurred in various regions, particularly in low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where extreme weather destroyed hundreds of schools. For instance, more than 400 schools in Pakistan were impacted by flooding, and Afghanistan faced severe heatwaves followed by extensive flooding that ruined over 110 schools.
In southern Europe, torrential rains caused catastrophic flooding, affecting education for over 900,000 children in Italy and halting classes for thousands in Spain. UNICEF emphasized that heatwaves served as the leading climate hazard contributing to school closures, particularly in April when over 118 million children were affected as soaring temperatures intensified across parts of the Middle East and Asia.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, commented on the unique vulnerabilities of children to extreme weather, stating that they heat up faster and struggle to cool down compared to adults. This environment hampers their ability to concentrate in classrooms lacking proper ventilation and obstructs access to school during floods or school destruction.
The extensive impact of extreme weather continues, particularly on children in low-income countries, threatening their education and future. Recent cyclones in French territories like Mayotte and in Mozambique not only caused extensive damage to facilities but also left children out of school for prolonged periods. All too often, the current educational systems are ill-equipped to address the challenges posed by climate-related disasters.
The topic of education disruption due to extreme weather highlights the severe consequences of climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children. The report from UNICEF sheds light on the unprecedented scale of educational disruption poised by climate hazards, making it clear that millions of children are being deprived of their right to education. With the majority of affected children residing in low-income countries, it accentuates the disparity faced by these nations, where robust infrastructure to withstand such crises is sorely lacking.
The alarming findings from UNICEF underline an urgent need for global action to enhance the resilience of educational systems against extreme weather events. With millions of children affected, it is imperative to prioritize climate-adaptive strategies to safeguard their education. As the report reveals, urgent development and investment in infrastructure are vital to support children in low-income countries, ensuring that climate changes do not further hinder their educational opportunities.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
