UNICEF Reports 242 Million Children Affected by Climate-Related School Closures
UNICEF reports that nearly 242 million children missed school in 2024 due to extreme weather events, with low-income countries disproportionately impacted. Heatwaves were particularly disruptive, while flooding and cyclones caused significant school destruction in various regions, underscoring an urgent need for adaptations in education systems globally.
A recent United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report highlights that nearly 242 million children from 85 countries were kept out of school in 2024 due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. This alarming statistic translates to one in seven children globally missing school as climate-related crises disproportionately impact the education of children in low-income nations, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The report demonstrates that some countries experienced significant destruction, with hundreds of schools destroyed. For instance, Pakistan faced flooding that ruined over 400 schools in April, while Afghanistan dealt with heatwaves followed by severe floods, affecting more than 110 schools in May. The situation was further exacerbated in southern Africa due to prolonged drought conditions aggravated by the El Niño phenomenon.
Major disruptions were also reported in southern Europe, where torrential rains and floods impacted more than 900,000 children in Italy. Spain witnessed thousands of students having their classes interrupted following catastrophic flooding. Despite these regional challenges, heatwaves remained the most prevalent weather threat interfering with schooling last year. In April alone, extreme heat conditions interrupted education for over 118 million children from the Middle East to Southeast Asia.
UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, expressed concern regarding children’s vulnerabilities to weather-related crises: “Children are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather-related crises”, citing their physiological differences compared to adults that hinder their ability to cope with extreme conditions. The study indicates that around 74% of affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, reflecting the profound impact of climate extremes on poorer regions.
Furthermore, Cyclone Chido severely damaged educational infrastructure in Mozambique, destroying over 330 schools, while the territory of Mayotte faced the aftermath of both Cyclone Chido and Tropical Storm Dikeledi, adding to the challenges of maintaining consistent education for children. UNICEF emphasizes that global educational systems are inadequately prepared to cope with the ramifications of extreme weather events, highlighting an urgent need for improvement.
The UNICEF report sheds light on the growing impact of climate change on education globally, particularly affecting children in vulnerable regions. Extreme weather conditions, ranging from heatwaves to cyclones and flooding, have increasingly disrupted schooling, making it imperative to understand the underlying issues. The statistics underscore a critical need for proactive measures to enhance resilience in education systems and protect children’s right to learn.
In conclusion, the UNICEF report reveals a startling reality: extreme weather is significantly disrupting education for millions of children worldwide, with low-income countries bearing the brunt of the impact. As climate-related events continue to escalate, it is crucial for global education systems to adapt and prepare for these challenges. Immediate action is required to safeguard the educational futures of vulnerable children who are heavily affected by these ongoing crises.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
