UNICEF’s report reveals that extreme weather disrupted education for over 242 million children globally in 2024, affecting one in seven school-aged children. This crisis, impacting especially low-income countries, highlights the need for educational systems to adapt to climate-related challenges, with severe occurrences such as flooding and heatwaves at the forefront.
According to a recent UNICEF report, more than 242 million children in 85 countries experienced interruptions in their education in 2024 due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. This translates to approximately one in seven school-aged children globally being affected by climate-related disruptions. Low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa faced severe impacts, with hundreds of schools destroyed by environmental hazards.
Regions such as southern Europe were also significantly affected, as Italy’s torrential rains and flooding caused over 900,000 children to miss school. Spain likewise experienced disastrous flooding, halting classes for numerous students. Heatwaves emerged as the primary climate challenge, with last year marking the hottest on record.
In April alone, over 118 million children had their schooling disrupted, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, where prolonged heatwaves led to dangerously high temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized children’s heightened vulnerability, noting that their physiological differences worsen their ability to cope with heat and flooding.
A staggering 74% of affected children were in middle- and low-income countries, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate extremes on impoverished populations. For instance, flooding in Pakistan ruined more than 400 schools, and severe weather in Afghanistan resulted in the destruction of over 110 educational facilities.
The situation remains dire as the El Niño phenomenon worsens drought conditions in southern Africa, jeopardizing millions of children’s futures. Cyclone Chido devastated the French territory of Mayotte, displacing children from educational institutions for six weeks, while also inflicting extensive damage on schools in Mozambique.
UNICEF highlighted that current school systems and educational frameworks are largely unprepared to manage the growing repercussions of extreme weather.
The UNICEF report sheds light on the critical challenges posed by climate change, particularly its impact on the education of children worldwide. In recent years, extreme weather events have become increasingly frequent and severe, directly affecting access to education in many vulnerable regions. Understanding these circumstances is essential, especially as low-income countries face the heaviest burdens. The report underscores the urgent need for improved resilience and adaptive strategies in education systems to combat these climate-related challenges.
In conclusion, the severe impact of extreme weather on children’s education, as reported by UNICEF, is a pressing global issue that requires urgent action. With over 242 million children missing school due to climatic hazards, particularly in low-income countries, it is clear that educational frameworks must adapt to withstand environmental challenges. Addressing these vulnerabilities is essential for safeguarding the future of millions of children worldwide.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
