UNICEF reported that extreme weather conditions kept 242 million children out of school last year in 85 countries. Heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding were the main causes, with the majority of affected children residing in low-income nations. The report calls for urgent improvements to education systems to better handle climate impacts.
According to a new report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 242 million children across 85 countries experienced interruptions to their education in the previous year, predominantly due to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This statistic equates to one in seven school-aged children globally being forced out of school at some point during the year.
The report highlighted devastating impacts in low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where severe weather conditions resulted in the destruction of hundreds of schools. However, regions beyond these areas were also affected, as significant flooding in Italy disrupted education for over 900,000 children, while devastating floods in Spain halted thousands of classes.
UNICEF identified heatwaves as the leading climate hazard, citing that 2024 was the hottest year recorded, with more than 118 million children experiencing interrupted schooling in April alone. Many areas in the Middle East and Asia, including Gaza and the Philippines, faced extreme heat conditions exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasized the vulnerability of children to climate-related crises. She stated, “Children cannot concentrate in classrooms that offer no respite from sweltering heat, and they cannot get to school if the path is flooded or if schools are washed away.”
The report indicated that 74% of affected children reside in middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the severity of climate extremes on the poorest regions. Flooding in Pakistan destroyed over 400 schools in April, while Afghanistan faced heatwaves followed by flooding, impacting over 110 schools in May, according to the report.
Continued drought in southern Africa, made worse by the El Niño phenomenon, poses further threats to education for millions of children. The French territory of Mayotte suffered extensive damage from Cyclone Chido in December and was impacted again by Tropical Storm Dikeledi, forcing children out of school for six weeks. This cyclone also led to the destruction of over 330 schools in Mozambique, exacerbating existing educational challenges.
UNICEF concluded that the current state of global schools and education systems is largely inadequate in addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather. The organization calls for concerted efforts to improve resilience against climate-related disruptions to education.
The topic of extreme weather events and their impact on children’s education has gained prominence due to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate change-related phenomena. UNICEF’s report sheds light on the troubling intersection of climate vulnerability and educational access, particularly in low-income regions where infrastructure is often ill-equipped to cope with such crises. This trend highlights the urgent need for global attention and policy reform to address the adverse effects of climate change on children’s schooling.
In conclusion, UNICEF’s report underscores the significant disruption in education faced by 242 million children worldwide due to extreme weather events. The emphasis on the vulnerability of children in low-income countries and the need for improved resilience in educational systems is critical. With an increasing trend of climate-related crises, concerted global efforts and reforms are needed to safeguard education for future generations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
