UNICEF reported that nearly 250 million children missed school last year due to extreme weather, with 242 million affected across 85 countries. Heatwaves were the primary cause of disruptions, as low-income nations faced significant impacts. The crisis emphasizes the urgent need for robust school infrastructure resilient to climate events.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that nearly 250 million children faced disruptions in their education last year due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. Approximately 242 million children across 85 countries were impacted, equating to one in seven school-aged children globally being kept out of school at some point in 2024 owing to climate hazards. The report highlights the disproportionate impact on low-income nations, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where numerous schools were entirely destroyed by extreme weather.
The report by UNICEF underscores the urgent and growing crisis of climate change as it directly affects children’s education. Research illustrates that children are at heightened risk during severe weather events, which complicates their ability to attend school and learn effectively. The findings reflect broader global patterns wherein poorer regions suffer more acutely from climate-related disruptions, suggesting a long-term threat to educational equity and access.
UNICEF’s findings elucidate the critical intersection of climate change and education, revealing that millions of children are at risk of educational interruption due to increasing weather extremes. The data point to a significant vulnerability faced by children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, necessitating urgent action to protect their educational rights amidst growing climatic challenges.
Original Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com
