UNICEF Reports 250 Million Children Impacted by Extreme Weather in 2024

UNICEF reported that nearly 250 million children missed school last year due to extreme weather, with 242 million affected by heatwaves, floods, and cyclones in 85 countries. Vulnerable children in lower-income nations faced the worst impacts. The report underscores a growing educational crisis tied to climate change, affecting not just local schooling but the future of millions of students globally.

UNICEF has reported that nearly 250 million children were unable to attend school last year due to extreme weather conditions. This figure represents one in every seven school-age children globally affected by climate-related hazards at some point in 2024. The interruptions were notably severe in 85 countries, with heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding cited as significant contributing factors to educational disruptions.

The report emphasizes that many schools, particularly in low-income nations within Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, suffered considerable damage due to extreme weather. However, regions such as southern Europe also experienced significant disruptions, as seen in Italy and Spain, where floods led to thousands of children being unable to attend classes.

Heatwaves emerged as the dominant climate crisis impacting education last year, coinciding with the hottest year ever recorded. In April alone, more than 118 million children faced interruptions in their schooling as regions, including parts of the Middle East and Asia, endured prolonged heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasized the heightened vulnerability of children during weather crises. “Children’s bodies are uniquely vulnerable. They heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults,” she stated. The inability to concentrate in extremely hot classrooms further complicates their education.

Approximately 74% of all affected children are located in middle- and low-income countries, demonstrating the severe impact of climate extremes on these regions. Reports indicated that flooding in Pakistan destroyed over 400 schools, while Afghanistan faced both heatwaves and floods, impacting educational facilities as well.

The situation continues to deteriorate, as evidenced by Cyclone Chido’s devastation in Mayotte and Mozambique, where many schools were destroyed, leaving children without access to education for extended periods. The report highlights that the current education systems worldwide remain inadequately prepared to confront the ramifications of these extreme weather events.

Recent analysis from UNICEF reveals a staggering impact of extreme weather on global education systems, with millions of children forced out of class due to climate-induced disasters. The role of climate change in intensifying weather hazards has shown that children, especially in poorer nations, face significant educational setbacks. Understanding these challenges is critical as they shape not only the immediate welfare of these children but also their long-term future opportunities.

In summary, UNICEF’s findings reveal a grave situation where climate change is causing educational disruptions for millions of children around the globe. The vulnerability of young students underlines the urgent need for robust educational infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather. With the majority of affected children hailing from low-income nations, the data emphasizes an escalating crisis that demands immediate global action.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com