UNICEF Reports 242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather Disruptions to Education

UNICEF reports that approximately 242 million children missed school in 2024 due to extreme weather, including heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. This amounts to one in seven school-aged children globally affected by climate hazards. The report highlights the significant devastation in low-income countries and the increasing vulnerability of education systems to climate change.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that nearly 242 million children in 85 countries missed school last year due to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and floods. This statistic represents one in seven school-aged children globally experiencing interruptions to their education in 2024 as a result of climate-related challenges. The report highlights that the destruction of schools was profound in low-income nations across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, while regions such as southern Europe were not exempt either.

UNICEF identified heatwaves as the primary climate hazard impacting education, particularly emphasizing April 2024, when over 118 million children were affected by intense heat across parts of the Middle East and Asia. The report indicated that temperatures reached alarming highs, leading to frequent closures of educational institutions. Furthermore, flooding events severely disrupted schooling in southern Europe, including Italy and Spain, with considerable numbers of children unable to attend school.

According to UNICEF, 74% of the affected children resided in middle to low-income countries, showcasing the significant toll that climate extremes have taken on the most vulnerable communities. Specifically, in April, flooding damaged over 400 schools in Pakistan, while severe weather in Afghanistan caused substantial destruction to more than 110 schools. The ongoing drought conditions in southern Africa, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon, further threaten the educational prospects of millions.

The report also noted that cyclone and storm events have had devastating effects on education systems, particularly in areas already facing challenges. For instance, Cyclone Chido left a trail of destruction in Mayotte and Mozambique, where hundreds of schools were destroyed. The fallout from these disasters continues to place unprecedented pressure on education systems not adequately prepared to handle these climatic crises.

UNICEF’s executive director, Catherine Russell, pointed out that “Children are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather-related crises, including stronger and more frequent heatwaves, storms, droughts and flooding.” The organization argued that without appropriate measures and preparation, the capacity of education systems to provide safe learning environments is significantly compromised.

The impact of extreme weather on education has become increasingly significant, as evidenced by UNICEF’s recent report illustrating how climate change has resulted in widespread interruptions to schooling for millions of children worldwide. As severe weather patterns become more frequent, it is crucial to understand the ramifications for children’s education, particularly in disadvantaged regions. The report underscores the need for improved resilience in education infrastructure to protect against future climate events.

In conclusion, nearly 250 million children missed school last year due to extreme weather, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to bolster educational systems against climate challenges. The overwhelming impact on low-income countries exemplifies the need for global initiatives to ensure that education remains accessible despite the threats posed by climate change. Continued advocacy and resource allocation are critical in addressing and mitigating these challenges to safeguard children’s education.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com