UNICEF Reports 242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather Disrupting Education

UNICEF reported that approximately 242 million children in 85 countries missed school last year due to extreme weather events. Heatwaves, flooding, and cyclones disproportionately affected low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The report underscores the vulnerability of children and highlights the necessity for better infrastructure to cope with climate change impacts on education.

According to UNICEF, approximately 242 million children in 85 countries were unable to attend school last year due to extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This statistic reflects that nearly one in seven school-going children globally experienced interruptions in their education due to climate-related hazards. Low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were particularly affected, with numerous schools destroyed by extreme weather events.

In addition to regions in Asia and Africa suffering from severe weather, southern Europe experienced significant disruptions as well. For example, torrential rains and floods in Italy impacted over 900,000 children, while catastrophic flooding in Spain also halted educational activities for thousands. The report from UNICEF specifies that heatwaves emerged as the most prevalent climate hazard disrupting schooling last year, coinciding with the hottest year on record.

In April alone, over 118 million children faced interruptions in their education, primarily due to a significant heatwave affecting a swath from Gaza to the Philippines, where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the specific vulnerabilities of children, noting their physiological differences compared to adults and the impact of extreme weather on their ability to learn.

The assessment revealed that approximately 74% of the affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the disproportionate impact of climatic extremes on impoverished nations. In April, flooding devastated over 400 schools in Pakistan, while Afghanistan experienced both heatwaves and severe flooding, destroying over 110 schools by May.

Drought conditions exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon in southern Africa further threatened educational access and the futures of countless children. In December, Cyclone Chido ravaged the French territory of Mayotte, and recently, Tropical Storm Dikeledi left children in the region out of school for six weeks. Cyclone Chido also severely damaged more than 330 schools in Mozambique, revealing the dire educational challenges faced in these areas.

UNICEF concluded that global education systems remain inadequately prepared to confront the consequences of extreme weather events. The ongoing crises underscore a pressing need for improved infrastructure and resilience in schools worldwide to safeguard children’s education amidst increasing climate challenges.

The article discusses the alarming impact of extreme weather on children’s education worldwide, highlighting information from a UNICEF report. Global climate change is resulting in an increase in the frequency and severity of weather disruptions, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in low-income countries. The report emphasizes the need for better preparedness in educational systems to handle these environmental challenges.

In summary, extreme weather patterns continue to disrupt the education of millions of children globally, as evidenced by the alarming statistics from UNICEF. The most severely impacted regions are often those with the least resources, revealing systemic issues in disaster preparedness within educational systems. Urgent action is required to enhance resilience and safeguard children’s education against the realities of climate change.

Original Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com