UNICEF’s report indicates that about 242 million children in 85 countries faced educational disruptions due to extreme weather in 2024, equating to one in seven school-aged children affected. Countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were primarily impacted. The report highlights the significant vulnerability of children amid these crises and the overwhelming impact on education in low-income regions.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that approximately 242 million children in 85 countries experienced interruptions to their education last year due to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This translates to one in seven school-aged children globally being affected by climate-related hazards in 2024. Countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were particularly hard hit, with numerous schools destroyed by these climate challenges.
In southern Europe, torrential rains and floods led to school disruptions for over 900,000 children in Italy, while Spain experienced similar catastrophic flooding. Last year, heatwaves emerged as the principal climate hazard affecting schooling, coinciding with the hottest year recorded on Earth. In April, for instance, heatwaves impacted over 118 million children across wide regions, including the Middle East and Asia.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasized the heightened vulnerability of children to such crises, stating that children’s bodies react differently to extreme heat and environmental conditions compared to adults. When schools are too hot or pathways are flooded, children face barriers in accessing their education, significantly affecting their ability to learn.
A staggering 74% of the affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the severe consequences of climate change on impoverished nations’ educational systems. In April, flooding destroyed more than 400 schools in Pakistan, while Afghanistan dealt with heatwaves followed by flooding incidents destroying over 110 educational facilities.
The persistent drought conditions in southern Africa, aggravated by the El Niño phenomenon, pose further threats to children’s education and futures. Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte last December, impacting schools and education systems; this cyclone also destroyed over 330 schools in Mozambique, further complicating the landscape for education access.
UNICEF’s findings indicate a significant lack of preparedness within global educational systems to confront the repercussions of increasing extreme weather events, highlighting a critical point for future actions.
The report released by UNICEF sheds light on the alarming impact of climate change on children’s education, revealing how extreme weather conditions disrupt schooling worldwide. With a staggering number of children affected, particularly in economically challenged regions, the findings underscore the urgent need for systems to adapt and safeguard educational access amid rising climate-related hazards. This report highlights the dire consequences that climate change has on health, education, and social stability for vulnerable populations, particularly in low-income countries.
In conclusion, UNICEF’s report provides a sobering perspective on the intersection of climate change and education. With millions of children affected globally by extreme weather, particularly in low-income countries, there is an urgent need for educational systems to adapt to these challenges. Immediate action is necessary to safeguard children’s access to education and ensure their futures are not compromised by the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
