In 2024, extreme heat in Belém hampered student learning, with classrooms experiencing significant discomfort. A study found that many Brazilian schools are in “heat islands,” affecting students, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds. Countries like Brazil face significant educational impacts from climate change, necessitating immediate attention to school infrastructure and equitable solutions to support student learning amid rising temperatures.
In 2024, Belém faced extreme heat for 212 of its 366 days, becoming the second hottest city in Brazil, trailing only Melgaço, Pará. According to data from the National Disaster Monitoring Center (CEMADEN), utilizing satellite imagery from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), João Victor da Costa da Silva, a 15-year-old student, reported difficulties focusing in class due to discomfort from the heat. During scorching periods, classroom temperatures were, on average, 5°C above normal, affecting both students and teachers alike.
The prevalence of extreme heat in Belém, which is set to host the COP30 climate conference in November, encapsulates a larger trend affecting education across Brazil, notably in the Amazon region. A study conducted by the Alana Institute and the NGO Fiquem Sabendo found that 64% of schools in major Brazilian cities are situated in areas with temperatures at least 1°C higher than the urban average. Maria Isabel Barros, an expert at the Alana Institute, emphasized that schools are often located in heat islands, intensifying learning challenges.
Notably, the study revealed racial disparities in environmental conditions; 16% of predominantly White schools are situated in heat islands, compared to 36% for predominantly Black schools, highlighting the reality of environmental racism. Approximately 370,000 students are enrolled in schools in high-risk areas, often near slums, linking social inequality with climate factors. Such education disparities are magnified in cities with the highest heat island concentrations, primarily in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions.
Research on climate change’s impact on education by World Bank economists indicates extreme heat correlates with diminished learning. Findings show that each additional day above 26.7°C results in a significant reduction in learning. In Brazil, just a 1°C rise in temperature prior to standardized assessments led to a 10% learning loss in test scores, with poorer regions bearing the brunt of these effects. Schools lacking essential amenities such as electricity are particularly affected.
Prominent educational leaders underscore the need for effective temperature regulation strategies in schools, with Ricardo Henriques noting that inadequate learning environments hinder educational outcomes. Positive initiatives, such as Piauí’s commitment to air-conditioning schools by 2026, reflect recognition of the urgent issue. However, many smaller municipalities lack the necessary resources for such installations, prompting experts to advocate for nature-based solutions like architectural adjustments and tree planting as alternatives to combat extreme heat.
Civil society initiatives, such as those led by the NGO Formigas de Embaúba, highlight the effectiveness of green infrastructure in mitigating temperature differences in school environments. For instance, during a heatwave in São Paulo, marked temperature variances were recorded between concrete and green spaces, advocating for the importance of natural areas in education. Prolonged heat challenges in transportation and attendance exacerbate educational inequities, particularly in underserved areas.
The outlook for students in Brazil’s poorest municipalities is concerning, with many missing significant school time due to high temperatures. Mônica Dias Pinto from UNICEF notes that climate change, alongside various global crises, endangers young people’s education. The accompanying vulnerabilities of disadvantaged youth underscore the need for urgent action to safeguard their futures against the compounding impacts of climate change.
Efforts to address these pressing challenges are underway, yet the Belém City Hall had not provided comments by the article’s publication deadline.
In summary, extreme heat is significantly impacting education in Brazil, particularly in regions like Belém. The findings highlight disparities between predominantly White and Black schools, showcasing the influence of environmental racism. Meanwhile, the urgent need for effective climate adaptation measures, including nature-based solutions, is emphasized to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students. Without addressing these challenges, future educational outcomes and opportunities for vulnerable populations remain at risk.
Original Source: valorinternational.globo.com
