UNICEF Report Highlights Devastating Impact of Climate Change on Children’s Education

Extreme Weather Disrupts Schooling for Millions of Children Worldwide

At least 242 million children in 85 countries had their schooling interrupted last year due to heatwaves, cyclones, flooding, and other extreme weather events, according to a new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Global Impact

The report highlights the devastating impact of climate change on children’s education, with one in seven school-going children across the world being kept out of class at some point in 2024. This amounts to 242 million children, with low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa being hit especially hard.

Regional Disruptions

While southern Europe dealt with deadly floods and Asia and Africa had flooding and cyclones, heatwaves were “the predominant climate hazard shuttering schools last year,” UNICEF said. In April alone, more than 118 million children had their schooling interrupted due to a severe heatwave that affected large parts of the Middle East and Asia.

Countries Affected

The report outlines how some countries saw hundreds of their schools destroyed by weather, with low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa hit especially hard. For example, flooding ruined more than 400 schools in Pakistan in April, while Afghanistan had heatwaves followed by severe flooding that destroyed over 110 schools in May.

UNICEF’s Concerns

UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell said, “Children are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather-related crises, including stronger and more frequent heatwaves, storms, droughts, and flooding. Children’s bodies are uniquely vulnerable. They heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults. 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.”

Conclusion

The report highlights the urgent need for action to address the devastating impact of climate change on children’s education. UNICEF’s findings underscore the importance of investing in climate-resilient education systems and protecting children from the effects of extreme weather events.

FAQs

Q: How many children were affected by extreme weather events in 2024?
A: At least 242 million children in 85 countries had their schooling interrupted last year due to heatwaves, cyclones, flooding, and other extreme weather events.

Q: Which regions were most affected by extreme weather events?
A: Low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were hit especially hard, with countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan experiencing significant disruptions to their education systems.

Q: What is UNICEF doing to address the impact of climate change on children’s education?
A: UNICEF is working to support climate-resilient education systems and protect children from the effects of extreme weather events. The organization is also advocating for increased investment in climate action and education to ensure that children are equipped to adapt to the changing climate.