UNICEF Reports 250 Million Children Miss School Due to Extreme Weather

UNICEF reports that nearly 250 million children missed school in 2024 due to extreme weather, including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. The greatest impact was felt in low-income countries, highlighting a global crisis in education linked to climate change. Approximately 74% of affected children reside in middle- and low-income nations.

According to a recent UNICEF report, nearly 250 million children worldwide were unable to attend school last year due to extreme weather events, representing one in every seven school-age children. The report indicates that approximately 242 million children from 85 countries faced interruptions in their education due to climate-related hazards such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding.

The report sheds light on the significant impact of climate change on education, particularly affecting children in vulnerable regions. Low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have been especially hard hit, experiencing devastating weather events that lead to school closures. Regions such as southern Europe have also faced severe disruptions, illustrating that no area is immune to the effects of climate change.

The alarming data indicates that climate change poses a substantial threat to children’s education globally, with the most affected being those in low-income countries. As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, there is a pressing need to address the resilience of educational systems to ensure children’s access to schooling.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com