UNICEF Reports Nearly 250 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather Disruptions in Education

UNICEF reports that nearly 250 million children globally missed schooling last year due to extreme weather. The most affected regions were low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but southern Europe and other areas also faced significant disruptions. Heatwaves emerged as the leading cause of school closures, highlighting the vulnerability of children to climate impacts on their education.

According to UNICEF, approximately 242 million children from 85 countries faced interruptions to their education last year due to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This indicates that one in seven school-aged children globally experienced educational disruptions due to climate-related hazards in 2024.

The report highlights the devastating impact of weather on education, with numerous schools destroyed in low-income countries, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. However, regions like southern Europe also experienced significant disruptions, including over 900,000 children in Italy affected by torrential rains and floods.

UNICEF reported that heatwaves were the leading cause of school closures last year, coinciding with the hottest year on record. In April alone, heatwaves impacted over 118 million children across the Middle East and Asia, bringing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, emphasized the unique vulnerability of children to climate crises. She noted that children’s physiological responses to heat make it difficult for them to concentrate in classrooms without proper ventilation or access to education during floods.

The report also revealed that about 74% of affected children were in middle- and low-income nations. Flooding destroyed over 400 schools in Pakistan, while severe weather events in Afghanistan led to the loss of 110 schools. Climate challenges continue to threaten the education of millions in southern Africa, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon.

Recent cyclones, such as Cyclone Chido, have left devastating consequences, including the destruction of over 330 schools in Mozambique, further complicating access to education in already vulnerable regions. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for schools and education systems to be better prepared for extreme weather challenges.

The report published by UNICEF sheds light on the alarming rates of educational interruptions faced by children due to extreme weather events across the globe. With climate hazards on the rise, such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding, millions of children are unable to attend school, particularly in low-income countries. The extensive damage to educational infrastructure highlights the urgent challenges educational systems face in adapting to changing climate conditions.

In conclusion, the findings provided by UNICEF illustrate a grave reality where millions of children are compelled to forfeit their education due to the detrimental effects of extreme weather. The significant damage to schools, especially in low-income regions, signifies a pressing need for improved strategies and resources to shield educational systems from the impacts of climate change. Enhanced preparedness is essential to safeguard the future of children’s education in the face of ongoing climate crises.

Original Source: www.pbs.org