UNICEF reveals that nearly 242 million children in 85 countries faced education disruptions due to extreme weather last year, indicating severe impacts from climate events on schooling, especially in low-income nations. The report highlights significant cases of flooding and heatwaves, underscoring the pressing need for robust educational support in the face of climate change.
According to a recent UNICEF report, approximately 242 million children in 85 countries experienced interruptions to their education last year due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, flooding, and cyclones. This equates to one in seven school-aged children globally being affected at some point in 2024 due to climate-related hazards. Low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa suffered the most, but regions like southern Europe were also impacted by devastating floods.
Extreme weather conditions have resulted in significant educational disruptions worldwide. In Italy, torrential rain led to over 900,000 children missing school, while flooding in Spain caused widespread class cancellations. Last year, heatwaves emerged as the primary climate-related threat to education, coinciding with record-breaking global temperatures.
UNICEF highlighted that in April alone, over 118 million children faced educational interruptions during severe heatwaves across the Middle East and parts of Asia, with temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit. “Children are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather-related crises” noted Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, emphasizing the unique physiological challenges children face in extreme conditions.
A staggering 74 percent of those affected came from middle- and low-income nations, illustrating the profound impact of climatic extremes on vulnerable populations. For example, flooding in Pakistan ruined over 400 schools, while severe weather in Afghanistan caused significant educational damage across 110 affected institutions.
The prolonged drought exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon in southern Africa further jeopardizes the educational prospects of many children. With incidents like Cyclone Chido causing extensive destruction in Mayotte and Mozambique, fate continues to obstruct education access. UNICEF warns that educational systems remain largely unprepared to manage the ramifications of such extreme weather events.
In recent years, the effects of climate change have increasingly threatened global education systems, particularly in developing countries. Extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and cyclones have become more frequent and intense, negatively impacting children’s access to schooling. UNICEF’s reports underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges, given the vulnerability of children and their need for stable learning environments to achieve their developmental goals.
In conclusion, UNICEF’s report sheds light on the staggering number of children whose education is disrupted by climate-related events. With the negative impacts disproportionately affecting low-income regions, it is crucial to prioritize resilient educational infrastructure and policies. Addressing these challenges is paramount to safeguarding the futures of millions of children worldwide.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
