UNICEF Reports 250 Million Children Affected by School Interruptions from Extreme Weather

UNICEF reports that 242 million children in 85 countries missed school last year due to extreme weather events, with heatwaves being the primary cause. Low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are most affected, highlighting disparities in access to education. Education systems globally are largely unprepared for such climate-related challenges, warranting urgent attention.

According to UNICEF, nearly 242 million children in 85 countries were unable to attend school last year due to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. This figure represents approximately one in seven school-aged children globally who experienced interruptions in their education in 2024 due to climate hazards. Low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were particularly affected, witnessing widespread school damage and disruptions.

Extreme weather did not spare other regions; for example, torrential rains in Italy impacted over 900,000 students, while catastrophic flooding in Spain halted classes for thousands. In addition to deadly floods experienced in southern Europe, heatwaves emerged as the leading climate threat that shuttered schools, correlating with the earth’s record-high temperatures.

UNICEF reported that in April alone, over 118 million children faced educational interruptions due to extreme heat, plaguing large areas from Gaza to the Philippines. The agency emphasized children’s heightened vulnerability to climate impacts, as they heat up faster and struggle to cool down effectively, complicating their ability to concentrate in stifling classrooms or travel through flooded paths.

Notably, around 74% of those affected were from mid- to low-income countries, underscoring the profound impacts of climate extremes on impoverished regions. For instance, flooding in Pakistan ruined over 400 schools in April, while severe heat and flooding in Afghanistan led to the destruction of more than 110 educational facilities.

Southern Africa has also suffered due to prolonged drought exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, threatening the education and livelihoods of countless children. Recent cyclones, such as Cyclone Chido, devastated Mayotte and Mozambique, leading to significant schooling interruptions in the affected areas.

UNICEF asserted that the current education systems worldwide are ill-prepared to manage the repercussions of extreme weather, emphasizing the urgency for necessary adaptations and support to ensure the continuity of education for vulnerable populations.

UNICEF’s report highlights the significant impact of climate change on children’s education worldwide, revealing that extreme weather events have disrupted schooling for millions. The analysis underscores the urgent need for awareness and action regarding the vulnerability of children, especially in low-income nations, where the adverse effects of climate change are exacerbated. This situation is alarming given that access to education is a fundamental right and vital for children’s development and future opportunities.

In conclusion, UNICEF’s findings illustrate a critical challenge facing global education systems due to the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events linked to climate change. With significant disruptions affecting millions of children, particularly in low-income countries, there is an urgent need to enhance the resilience of educational infrastructures. Addressing these vulnerabilities is essential for ensuring uninterrupted access to education and safeguarding children’s futures.

Original Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com