UNICEF Report: 250 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather in 2024
UNICEF reports that 242 million children in 85 countries missed school last year due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves and floods. This situation affects one in seven schoolchildren globally, with low-income nations disproportionately impacted. Southern Europe also faced significant disruptions, highlighting the urgent need for educational systems to adapt to climate change.
According to a recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 242 million children across 85 countries experienced interruptions to their schooling last year due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. This translates to one in seven school-aged children worldwide being affected by climate-related hazards in 2024. Low-income nations, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, suffered the most from these disruptions.
Countries in southern Europe also experienced severe weather events, with heavy rains in Italy halting classes for more than 900,000 children, while flooding in Spain interrupted education for thousands. The report highlighted that heatwaves were the leading cause of school closures last year, corroborated by the fact that 2024 was recorded as the hottest year ever, with more than 118 million children affected by a significant heatwave in April alone.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell noted the susceptibility of children to weather-related emergencies, emphasizing their physical vulnerability to heat and flooding. The report indicated that 74% of the affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, where climatic extremes impose significant challenges. In April, for instance, catastrophic flooding rendered over 400 schools in Pakistan uninhabitable, while severe weather in Afghanistan resulted in the destruction of over 110 schools.
The persistent drought conditions in southern Africa, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, are also threatening the educational prospects of millions of children. Furthermore, a recent cyclone and subsequent tropical storm in the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte have disrupted education for six weeks, while Cyclone Chido devastated over 330 schools in Mozambique.
UNICEF has criticized the global education systems for being inadequately prepared to manage and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect children’s right to education amidst rising climate risks.
The alarming report from UNICEF underscores the significant impact of climate change on children’s education worldwide. With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, millions of children are facing disruptions in their schooling. The report particularly emphasizes the disproportionate effects on low-income and middle-income countries, where infrastructure and resources are often insufficient to cope with such crises. It illustrates a growing concern that climate hazards will continue to threaten educational continuity, especially in the most vulnerable regions.
The UNICEF report reveals a startling reality for children affected by extreme weather, with millions missing out on education due to climate shocks. The severe impact on low-income countries highlights the urgent need for global educational infrastructure to adapt to these challenges. As climate change continues to escalate, proactive measures and strategic investments in education are critical to safeguarding children’s rights to learning and future opportunities.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
