UNICEF reports that 242 million children across 85 countries missed school in 2024 due to extreme weather such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. Low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were most heavily impacted, though other regions like Italy and Spain also faced significant disruptions. The report highlights the vulnerability of children and the inadequacy of current educational systems to deal with climate-related challenges.
According to UNICEF, last year, approximately 242 million children across 85 countries experienced interruptions to their education due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This equates to about one in seven school-aged children globally facing setbacks in their schooling due to climate-related hazards. The report highlights that low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were particularly affected, with many schools completely destroyed.
Moreover, regions outside of the most affected areas also faced significant disruptions. For instance, torrential rains and flooding in Italy at the end of the year disrupted educational activities for over 900,000 children. Countries like Spain also saw thousands of students unable to attend school following severe flooding incidents.
UNICEF indicated that heatwaves emerged as the major climate challenge impacting education last year, coinciding with the Earth’s warmest recorded year to date. In April alone, more than 118 million children experienced school interruptions, significantly affecting areas from Gaza to the Philippines, where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, stated that “children are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather-related crises, including stronger and more frequent heatwaves, storms, droughts, and flooding.” She emphasized the physiological differences in children that exacerbate their vulnerability during such extreme weather events.
The report further reveals that around 74% of the affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the stark impact of climate events on the poorest nations. In April, flooding alone devastated over 400 schools in Pakistan, while severe heat and subsequent flooding in Afghanistan destroyed over 110 educational institutions in May.
The ongoing crises have shown no signs of improvement. The Cyclone Chido disaster in the French territory of Mayotte severely impacted local infrastructure and education, with children missing six weeks of schooling. Cyclone Chido also resulted in the destruction of more than 330 schools and regional education departments in Mozambique, where educational challenges are prevalent.
UNICEF concluded that education systems worldwide are inadequately prepared to address the ramifications of extreme weather, which continues to threaten the education and future of many children worldwide.
The alarming trend of extreme weather events impacting education is a growing global concern, particularly highlighted in UNICEF’s latest report. The increasing frequency and intensity of climate change-related disasters have detrimental effects on the schooling of millions of children, especially in vulnerable regions. The report sheds light on the direct correlation between environmental crises and educational disruptions, emphasizing the urgent need for action to safeguard educational systems.
In summary, UNICEF’s report reveals the profound impact of extreme weather on global education, with 242 million children affected last year. The stark vulnerability of children, particularly in poorer regions, illustrates the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate these effects. Ensuring educational resilience amidst climate change remains a crucial factor in protecting the future of millions worldwide.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
