UNICEF’s report reveals that nearly 242 million children had their education interrupted in 2024 due to extreme weather events including heatwaves, flooding, and cyclones. With one in seven school-aged children affected, the impacts were particularly severe in low-income countries. Heatwaves emerged as the leading climate hazard, complicating access to education across numerous regions, especially in southern Europe and Asia.
According to a recent report by UNICEF, nearly 242 million children in 85 countries experienced disruptions to their education in 2024 due to various extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This figure represents approximately one in seven school-aged children globally having their classes interrupted at some point last year.
The report highlights that many low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa faced significant challenges, with numerous schools destroyed due to inclement weather. However, regions like southern Europe also suffered; torrential rains and floods in Italy affected over 900,000 children, while catastrophic flooding in Spain halted classes for thousands.
UNICEF noted that heatwaves were particularly detrimental to education in 2024, coinciding with the planet experiencing its hottest year on record. More than 118 million children had their schooling interrupted in April alone amid extreme heat in parts of the Middle East and Asia, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, emphasized the heightened vulnerability of children in weather-related crises, stating, “Children are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather-related crises, including stronger and more frequent heatwaves, storms, droughts and flooding.” The physical characteristics of children exacerbate their susceptibility to heat, making concentrated learning difficult under severe conditions.
The report indicates that about 74% of affected children were from middle- and low-income countries, demonstrating the severe impact of climate change on impoverished regions. Floods in Pakistan ruined over 400 schools, while Afghanistan suffered from both heatwaves and subsequent flooding that damaged over 110 schools. Months of drought in southern Africa have further jeopardized the educational prospects of millions.
Recent events, such as Cyclone Chido that devastated Mayotte and resulted in further school closures in December, highlight the ongoing nature of these crises. Additionally, Cyclone Chido caused considerable destruction in Mozambique, affecting access to education in already challenged areas.
UNICEF concluded that the global education systems are largely unprepared for the repercussions of extreme weather, raising concerns about the future of schooling amid escalating climatic extremes.
The alarming frequency and severity of extreme weather events are increasingly impacting education worldwide. UNICEF’s recent report emphasizes the disproportionate effect on children in lower-income nations. Climate change serves as a significant barrier to education, particularly in vulnerable regions already grappling with economic hardship. Schools, essential for children’s development and future opportunities, are being severely damaged or destroyed, further impeding access to education.
In conclusion, UNICEF’s report underscores a disturbing trend in educational disruption due to extreme weather, affecting millions of children globally. The devastation is particularly pronounced in low-income countries, where climatic hazards severely compromise educational access and infrastructure. Urgent action is necessary to equip education systems worldwide to withstand the challenges posed by climate change and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Original Source: www.wral.com
