A UNICEF report states that nearly 250 million children worldwide faced school interruptions due to extreme weather conditions last year. This figure includes over 242 million children affected by crises such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding, predominantly in low-income nations. The report emphasizes the need for education systems to adapt to the increasingly volatile climate.
According to a recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), nearly 250 million children experienced interruptions in their education due to extreme weather conditions last year. At least 242 million children across 85 countries had their schooling disrupted by climate hazards such as heatwaves, cyclones, and floods, amounting to approximately one in seven school-aged children worldwide affected at some point in 2024.
The report highlights the severe impact of climate change on education, particularly in low-income nations throughout Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where hundreds of schools were either damaged or destroyed. Notably, southern Europe endured extreme weather as well, with Italy reporting significant school disruptions due to torrential rains and floods affecting over 900,000 children, while catastrophic flooding in Spain halted classes for many.
Heatwaves emerged as the primary climate hazard affecting education last year, with the planet experiencing its hottest year on record. UNICEF noted that more than 118 million children had their education disrupted solely in April 2024, as extensive heatwaves soared temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius across the Middle East and parts of Asia.
UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, remarked on children’s heightened vulnerability to climate-related crises. She stated, “Children’s bodies are uniquely vulnerable. They heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults.” With flooded paths and extreme temperatures, learning environments became increasingly inhospitable.
Furthermore, the report indicated that approximately 74% of affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, reinforcing the disproportionate impact of climate extremes on impoverished nations. Disruptions included the destruction of over 400 schools in Pakistan and severe flooding in Afghanistan, where more than 110 schools were lost in May.
The crises continue to evolve; for instance, Cyclone Chido ravaged the French territory of Mayotte and Mozambique, revoking educational access for children in these regions. UNICEF emphasized that global education systems remain inadequately prepared to cope with the effects of such extreme weather events.
The report sheds light on the escalating effects of climate change on education, particularly regarding vulnerable children in impoverished areas. Rising global temperatures and extreme weather events have rendered schools susceptible to damage or destruction, thus significantly affecting educational access and continuity. The findings underscore the urgent need for addressing climate resilience in education policies to safeguard the learning environment for children worldwide.
In summary, UNICEF’s report highlights the alarming impact of extreme weather on children’s education globally, with millions facing significant interruptions. The findings illustrate a need for urgent action to enhance the resilience of education systems, particularly in lower-income countries, where the effects of climate change are most pronounced. Ultimately, addressing these challenges is essential to secure a stable learning environment for future generations.
Original Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com
