A heat wave in southern Brazil has caused five cities to suspend classes, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius. This situation reflects broader climate trends impacting education, with forecasts of more extreme weather affecting school operations. Notably, the region has faced significant disruptions in the past years, with severe weather affecting millions of children.
On Thursday, five cities in southern Brazil, particularly within the state of Rio Grande do Sul, suspended classes due to extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 36 degrees Celsius in some areas. Authorities stated that the local schools were inadequately prepared to cope with such high temperatures, and classes are slated to resume on Monday.
The National Institute of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for Rio Grande do Sul and four additional Brazilian states. The regions affected are experiencing temperatures up to 5 degrees Celsius above the normal monthly averages.
According to a January report from UNESCO, extreme weather conditions impacted over 1.17 million children in Brazil last year, primarily through floods and droughts, with a significant number being in Rio Grande do Sul. During the flood events in May 2024, more than 740,000 children missed school.
Daniel Cara, an education policy researcher at the University of Sao Paulo, noted that historical school closures were often due to wildfire risks during dry seasons or water shortages. He emphasized that heat-induced school cancellations have become increasingly common. “This is going to be the new normal,” he stated during a phone interview, indicating climate issues will consistently disrupt school schedules.
This summer, Brazilians have faced intense heat waves. In February, Rio de Janeiro recorded 44 degrees Celsius, marking its hottest day in a decade. Such extreme temperatures highlight the growing crisis caused by climate change in the region.
The recent heat wave in southern Brazil has led to the suspension of classes across five cities in Rio Grande do Sul due to soaring temperatures. A severe weather warning has been issued, affecting multiple states. This is part of a worrying trend of increased school closures attributed to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptive measures in the education sector.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
