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UNICEF Report: Extreme Weather Affects 242 Million Children’s Education

In 2023, UNICEF reported that extreme weather events kept 242 million children out of school, with one in seven children globally affected. The impact was most severe in low-income nations, particularly across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where hundreds of schools were destroyed.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that in 2023, extreme weather conditions resulted in at least 242 million children across 85 countries being temporarily out of school. This staggering figure indicates that one in seven school-aged children globally faced interruptions in their education due to climate-related events such as heat waves, cyclones, and flooding. Countries in low-income regions, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, were disproportionately affected by these climatic challenges.

UNICEF’s report emphasized the destruction of hundreds of schools caused by severe weather, with southern Europe experiencing significant disruptions as well. For instance, Italy faced torrential rains, impacting over 900,000 children, while catastrophic flooding in Spain similarly halted educational activities for thousands. The report highlighted that heat waves were the most prevalent climate hazard affecting schools.

The ongoing climate crisis has exacerbated extreme weather phenomena, directly impacting access to education around the world. UNICEF’s findings illustrate the vulnerability of children, particularly in middle- and low-income countries where infrastructure is often inadequate to withstand such natural disasters. With hundreds of schools destroyed and millions of children affected, the need for robust support systems and infrastructure capable of handling climate crises is critical.

In conclusion, UNICEF’s report reveals a profound impact of climate change on children’s education, highlighting that over 242 million children experienced disruptions due to extreme weather conditions in 2023. Particularly vulnerable are those in low-income nations, where educational facilities are often inadequate. The report calls attention to the urgent need for global strategies to address the damaging effects of climate-related events on education systems.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

Li Chen is a dynamic journalist specializing in cultural reporting. Born in Beijing and raised in New York, she earned her journalism degree from Columbia University. With over eight years of experience, Li has a unique ability to weave complex cultural narratives into engaging articles. She has written extensively for various lifestyle and news platforms, and her work often highlights the richness of diverse communities.

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