UNICEF Report Reveals 250 Million Children Miss School Due to Extreme Weather in 2024
UNICEF reported that nearly 250 million children missed school due to extreme weather in the last year, primarily in low-income countries. Heatwaves were the most prevalent threat, affecting over 118 million children in April alone. The report calls attention to the need for better preparedness and infrastructure in education systems to combat the increasing climate challenges.
According to UNICEF, approximately 250 million children were prevented from attending school last year due to extreme weather conditions, equating to one out of every seven students globally. The report indicated that at least 242 million children from 85 nations faced disruptions in their education due to climate-related events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and floods.
Countries with low-income populations, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, experienced severe impacts, with numerous schools being destroyed. However, extreme weather affected various regions, including southern Europe, where torrential rains and flooding led to significant school closures, notably affecting over 900,000 children in Italy and halting classes for many in Spain.
Heatwaves were identified as the primary climate threat to education, with the earth experiencing its hottest year on record. UNICEF reported that more than 118 million children had their schooling interrupted in April alone due to excessive heat, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Asia, where temperatures exceeded 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasized the heightened vulnerability of children to weather-related crises, citing physiological differences that make them more susceptible to heat and climatic challenges. In low- and middle-income countries, approximately 74% of affected children underscored the severe consequences of climate extremes in impoverished regions, with flooding damaging over 400 schools in Pakistan and severe weather events affecting schools in Afghanistan and Mozambique.
The persistent droughts in southern Africa, compounded by the El Niño phenomenon, threaten the educational opportunities of millions of children. The impact of Cyclone Chido in December severely damaged infrastructure in Mayotte, hindering education for weeks. The UNICEF report revealed that existing educational systems are inadequately prepared to address the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events.
The article addresses the significant impact of extreme weather events on education, citing data from UNICEF that indicates a staggering number of children affected by climate-related school closures. As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and intensity of climate hazards like floods, heatwaves, and storms are increasing, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, especially in lower-income regions. This exposes the critical need for robust infrastructure and preparedness to mitigate educational disruptions caused by climatic conditions.
In summary, UNICEF’s report highlights the alarming number of children missing school due to extreme weather, especially in low-income countries. The adverse effects of climate hazards on education systems necessitate immediate action to improve resilience against such challenges. Enhanced disaster preparedness and response strategies must be implemented to protect children’s education and ensure continuity in learning amid growing climate threats.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
