UNICEF Report Reveals 242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather in 2024
UNICEF’s new report reveals that nearly 242 million children in 85 countries missed school last year due to extreme weather, affecting one in seven school-aged children globally. The most impacted regions include low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, while heatwaves emerged as the predominant cause of educational disruptions. Flooding and storms also severely affected schools in southern Europe.
According to a recent report by UNICEF, extreme weather conditions in 2024 caused at least 242 million schoolchildren in 85 countries to miss school. This staggering figure represents approximately one in seven children worldwide who faced interruptions in their education due to climate-related hazards, which include heatwaves, flooding, and cyclones. Low-income countries, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, are experiencing the most severe impacts, with hundreds of schools destroyed by these climate events.
Significant disruptions were reported globally, with Italy facing torrential rains and floods that affected over 900,000 children. In Spain, thousands of classes were halted due to catastrophic flooding. Heatwaves were highlighted as the primary climate threat that shuttered schools, with 2024 marking the hottest year recorded to date. In April alone, extreme temperatures impacted over 118 million children across the Middle East and Asia.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, emphasized the vulnerability of children to extreme weather, stating, “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.” The report detailed that around 74% of affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, showcasing the disproportionate effects of climate extremes on the poorest communities.
Disastrous flooding events ruined over 400 schools in Pakistan and destroyed more than 110 schools in Afghanistan. Furthermore, prolonged drought in southern Africa, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, poses threats to children’s education. Cyclones also devastated areas such as Mayotte and Mozambique, where numerous schools were rendered unusable, further compounding the educational crisis.
UNICEF’s report concluded that education systems worldwide are inadequately prepared to handle the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The ongoing crises underscore the urgent need for improved infrastructure and strategies to safeguard education in the face of climate challenges.
The report from UNICEF sheds light on the alarming educational disruptions faced by millions of children due to climate change-induced extreme weather events. It serves as a crucial reminder of the intersection between environmental issues and the right to education, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable populations, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions.
The UNICEF report illustrates the extensive impact of extreme weather on education, with millions of children missing school due to climate hazards. It underscores the pressing need for enhanced resilience within educational infrastructures in affected regions, particularly in low-income countries. The findings call for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on the future of education.
Original Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com
