UNICEF Reports 242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather Interruptions
UNICEF reports that 242 million children in 85 countries were affected by extreme weather last year. Heatwaves, floods, and cyclones disrupted education, particularly in low-income regions. About 74% of impacted children live in middle- and low-income countries, highlighting the severe educational challenges posed by climate change. The need for improved resilience in educational infrastructures is critical as extreme weather events increase in frequency.
According to UNICEF, nearly 242 million children across 85 countries missed school last year due to extreme weather phenomena, such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This staggering figure represents approximately one in seven school-aged children globally affected at some point in 2024 because of climate hazards. The report highlights the severe impact of weather-related disruptions, particularly in low-income regions of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The report indicates that some countries experienced significant destruction of educational infrastructure, with extensive damage reported in schools. Southern Europe also faced devastating effects; for instance, torrential rains and floods in Italy disrupted education for over 900,000 children, while thousands of students in Spain experienced class interruptions due to flooding.
UNICEF noted heatwaves as the predominant climate hazard affecting education, with April alone seeing more than 118 million children impacted. Countries across the Middle East and Asia, from Gaza to the Philippines, endured severe heat conditions with temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Children are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme weather, struggling to concentrate in unbearably hot classroom conditions, and facing obstacles such as flooded paths to school.
Approximately 74% of the affected children reside in middle- and low-income nations, indicating the acute challenges posed by climatic extremes in poorer regions. Flooding in Pakistan damaged over 400 schools in April, while Afghanistan experienced heatwaves that led to severe flooding, impacting 110 schools in May. The ongoing drought in southern Africa, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon, poses further threats to children’s education.
The situation remains dire, as Cyclone Chido devastated the impoverished French territory of Mayotte, disrupting education for six weeks, followed by Tropical Storm Dikeledi. Similarly, Cyclone Chido caused the destruction of more than 330 schools and educational departments in Mozambique, where educational access is already limited. According to UNICEF, the world’s educational systems are significantly unprepared for the repercussions of extreme weather events.
The alarming trend of children missing school due to extreme weather events has been highlighted by UNICEF’s latest report. This study effectively illustrates the hazardous impact of climate change on education, particularly for vulnerable populations in low-income countries. The frequency and intensity of climate-related catastrophes have escalated, compromising education systems globally. Organizations like UNICEF underscore the necessity of addressing these challenges to safeguard children’s right to education amid increasing climate hazards.
In summary, UNICEF reports that nearly 250 million children missed school in 2024 due to extreme weather, emphasizing the significant impact on education, especially in low-income nations. This crisis necessitates urgent attention to improve the resilience of education systems against climate-related disruptions. Vulnerability to extreme weather hazards remains a pressing issue, with substantial efforts required to protect children’s educational opportunities in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Original Source: www.wral.com
