UNICEF Reports 242 Million Children Affected by School Disruptions from Extreme Weather
UNICEF reports that 242 million children were unable to attend school last year due to extreme weather, affecting one in seven school-aged children globally. Most disruptions occurred in low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, with significant flooding and extreme heat being the primary culprits. The need for robust systems to protect children’s education against climate change impacts is critical.
The latest report from UNICEF indicates that approximately 242 million children across 85 countries experienced interruptions in their education due to extreme weather events last year. This accounts for one in seven school-age children globally impacted at some point in 2024 by climate-related hazards. The findings highlight the significant educational disruptions caused by various climate extremes, particularly in low-income regions.
Countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa experienced the most severe impacts, with numerous schools destroyed and children unable to attend classes. For example, in April alone, over 118 million children were affected by extreme heat across the Middle East and Asia, where temperatures exceeded 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Torrential rains in southern Europe also contributed to widespread educational disruptions, with over 900,000 children in Italy being affected and schools cancelling classes following devastating floods in Spain.
UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell emphasized the unique vulnerability of children to the consequences of climate change. Children’s bodies react differently to extreme heat, making them less able to cope with such conditions. This has led to significant obstacles in attending school, notably when flooding occurs or when schools are structurally compromised by severe weather incidents.
The challenges regarding education are particularly pronounced in middle- and low-income countries, where approximately 74% of the affected children reside. In Pakistan, flooding ravaged over 400 schools, while Afghanistan encountered both heatwaves and subsequent flooding that damaged over 110 schools. Similarly, prolonged droughts in southern Africa, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon, threaten the educational prospects of countless children.
Looking forward, the situation remains dire. The Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte suffered extensive damage after Cyclone Chido, which tore through in December and struck again with Tropical Storm Dikeledi, leaving local children out of school for an extended period. Furthermore, Cyclone Chido severely impacted education in Mozambique by damaging more than 330 schools, an alarming trend amidst an already precarious educational landscape.
The report concludes that global educational systems are inadequately prepared to address the repercussions of extreme weather. Urgent action is needed to enhance resilience and support mechanisms to protect children’s education from the ongoing impacts of climate change.
The disruptions in education due to extreme weather are increasingly recognized as a significant global crisis, particularly for children in vulnerable regions. Climate change has led to more frequent and severe weather events, which directly impact educational infrastructure and student attendance. Countries, especially those that are lower in income, face greater hardships as they deal with inadequate resources to recover from these shocks. Understanding the gravity of this issue is crucial for developing interventions aimed at safeguarding children’s education in a changing climate.
In summary, nearly 250 million children were kept from attending school due to extreme weather last year, stressing the critical need for robust education systems that can withstand climate-related challenges. The disproportionate effects on low-income countries underline the urgency of dedicated support and resources to help these regions enhance their resilience against environmental crises. As climate change continues to escalate, addressing these educational disruptions becomes imperative for safeguarding the future of millions of children globally.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
