UNICEF Reports 242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather Disruptions

UNICEF reports that extreme weather disrupted the education of 242 million children in 85 countries last year, with significant interruptions due to heat waves, floods, and cyclones. Low-income nations were particularly affected, with the majority of disruptions occurring in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The impact of climate change on education continues to escalate, requiring urgent attention.

According to a recent report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), extreme weather events disrupted the education of at least 242 million children across 85 countries in 2024. This staggering figure represents approximately one in seven school-aged children worldwide who faced interruptions in their schooling due to climate-related disasters such as heat waves, cyclones, and flooding. The report highlights the vulnerabilities faced particularly by low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which were severely affected.

UNICEF noted that the impact of extreme weather was widespread, with southern Europe experiencing significant school disruptions from torrential rains and floods. In Italy, for example, over 900,000 children faced interruptions towards the year’s end, while similar catastrophic flooding in Spain also halted classes for thousands. Heat waves were identified as the leading climate hazard affecting educational activities, with 2024 recorded as one of the hottest years in history.

In just April alone, more than 118 million children had their education disrupted due to an intense heat wave that affected regions from Gaza to the Philippines. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the unique vulnerabilities children face during such crises. Children heat up more quickly than adults and struggle to concentrate in excessively hot classrooms, further hindering their access to education during adverse weather conditions.

The report reveals that approximately 74% of the affected children were from middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the profound impact of climate extremes on the most impoverished nations. For instance, in April, heavy flooding damaged over 400 schools in Pakistan. Moreover, Afghanistan experienced a combination of heatwaves and severe flooding that destroyed 110 schools in May.

The report by UNICEF sheds light on the alarming educational disruptions caused by climate change. As extreme weather becomes increasingly frequent and severe, the education sector remains ill-prepared to address these challenges. The findings highlight a grave concern for children’s education, particularly in vulnerable regions, stressing the urgent need for systems that can withstand such climatic shocks.

In conclusion, the UNICEF report illustrates a deepening crisis in education linked to climate change, revealing that extreme weather has significant repercussions for millions of children globally. With the majority of affected children in low-income countries, there is an evident need for increased resilience in educational infrastructure to protect future generations from the disruptions caused by increasingly frequent climate events.

Original Source: www.voanews.com