UNICEF’s report reveals that extreme weather disrupted schooling for 242 million children in 85 countries last year, with one in seven school-age children affected. The greatest impact was observed in low-income nations, while regions like Italy and Spain also faced severe weather disruptions. The report emphasizes the need for educational systems to be more resilient to climate-related challenges.
A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that extreme weather events, including heat waves, cyclones, and flooding, disrupted the education of at least 242 million children across 85 countries last year. This translates to approximately one in seven school-age children globally facing interruptions in their schooling due to climate-related hazards. The report particularly highlights significant impacts on low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where numerous schools were destroyed by severe weather conditions.
In addition to the devastation in poorer regions, other parts of the world also experienced significant disruptions. Torrential rains and floods in Italy affected over 900,000 children, while catastrophic flooding in Spain halted classes for thousands. According to UNICEF, heat waves were the leading climate risk that closed schools last year, coinciding with the hottest year recorded globally.
UNICEF indicated that April was especially detrimental, with more than 118 million children facing interruptions during a severe heat wave that spanned areas from Gaza to the Philippines. The organization’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, noted the unique vulnerabilities of children in adverse weather conditions, citing physiological differences that hinder their ability to cope with extreme heat.
The report also underscores that approximately 74% of the impacted children reside in middle- and low-income countries, emphasizing the disproportionate effects of climatic extremes on the poorest populations. Specifically, flooding in Pakistan destroyed over 400 schools in April, while Afghanistan faced heatwaves and severe flooding that damaged over 110 schools in May.
Ongoing crises stemming from prolonged drought exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon continue to threaten education across southern Africa. For instance, Cyclone Chido devastated the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte in December, further impacting children’s access to schooling. The cyclone also obliterated more than 330 schools in Mozambique, where education access is already significantly compromised.
UNICEF concludes that education systems worldwide are inadequately prepared to handle the repercussions of severe weather, thus calling for urgent improvements to safeguard children’s education during climate emergencies.
The UNICEF report sheds light on the alarming impact of extreme weather related to climate change on children’s education globally. The increasing frequency and intensity of climate hazards, such as heat waves and flooding, pose significant challenges to schooling, especially in vulnerable regions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing educational disruption amidst climate crises and mobilizing support for affected communities. The educational interruptions caused by climatic events not only affect immediate schooling but also have long-term repercussions on children’s learning and development. As world’s temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the need to fortify educational systems against these threats grows more critical.
In summary, extreme weather continues to impede the education of millions of children worldwide, particularly in low-income regions already grappling with significant challenges. The statistics presented by UNICEF highlight the urgent need for educational systems to adapt and become more resilient to climate impacts as such events are projected to escalate. Understanding and mitigating the implications of climate change on education is vital for securing a better future for children globally.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
