UNICEF reports that approximately 242 million children missed school last year due to extreme weather, with significant devastation caused by heatwaves, flooding, and cyclones across 85 countries. The majority of affected children were in low and middle-income nations, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation in education systems to mitigate climate impacts.
According to a recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 242 million children were unable to attend school last year due to severe weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding across 85 countries. This figure indicates that one in seven school-age children globally experienced disruptions in their education.
The report highlights the impact of climate hazards not only in low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa but also in other regions, including southern Europe. For instance, severe flooding in Italy towards the end of the year resulted in over 900,000 children missing school, while similar devastating flooding affected thousands in Spain.
UNICEF identified heatwaves as the leading climate challenge affecting schools last year, coinciding with the hottest year on record. In April alone, more than 118 million children faced interruptions in their education across the Middle East and Asia due to extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, remarked on the heightened susceptibility of children to the repercussions of climate crises. “Children’s bodies are uniquely vulnerable. They heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults,” she stated, emphasizing the challenges posed by extreme temperatures and flooding on children’s access to education.
The data revealed that 74% of the affected children were from middle- and low-income countries. The report documented extensive flooding in Pakistan that ruined over 400 schools and highlighted the destruction of 110 schools due to heat and subsequent flooding in Afghanistan. Moreover, prolonged drought in southern Africa, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon, jeopardizes the educational prospects of many children.
The report does not suggest an improvement, as demonstrated by the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte and Mozambique, which resulted in over 330 destroyed schools. UNICEF underscored the unpreparedness of global education systems to tackle the consequences of extreme weather events, indicating a pressing need for action.
The topic centers around the alarming educational disruptions faced by children around the world due to extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. According to UNICEF, every year, millions of children in various countries are affected by natural disasters that hinder their access to education. This issue is particularly pronounced in low-income and developing nations, where their education systems are less equipped to manage the impacts of climate-related crises, posing a significant threat to the future of these children.
In summary, UNICEF’s report reveals the staggering reality that nearly 250 million children missed school last year owing to extreme weather. The adverse impact of climate change on education, particularly in vulnerable regions, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect children’s access to schooling. As climate crises continue to escalate, the necessity for adaptive strategies within education systems becomes increasingly critical.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
