UNICEF Reports: 242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather in 2024
UNICEF reported that extreme weather disrupted education for at least 242 million children last year, representing one in seven globally. The impact was particularly severe in low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, with school closures primarily due to cyclones, flooding, and heatwaves. The report highlights the urgent need for better preparedness in educational systems to cope with these challenges.
According to a new report from UNICEF, at least 242 million children in 85 countries experienced disruption in their education due to extreme weather events last year. This equates to one in seven school-aged children globally being affected by climate-related hazards throughout 2024. The report highlights devastating impacts on schools, particularly in low-income areas of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which were severely impacted by various climate events, including cyclones and floods.
In southern Europe, hundreds of thousands of children also faced educational interruptions due to torrential rains and flooding. Notably, over 900,000 children in Italy had their schooling affected by the severe floods at the end of the year, while similar conditions in Spain brought classes to a halt.
UNICEF identified heatwaves as the primary climate hazard causing school closures last year, as the Earth faced its hottest recorded year. In April 2024 alone, more than 118 million children were impacted, primarily across the Middle East and Asia, where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, emphasized children’s vulnerability to these crises, stating, “Children’s bodies are uniquely vulnerable. They heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently and cool down more slowly than adults.” Furthermore, numerous children could not attend school due to flooding or damaged facilities.
The report reveals that approximately 74% of affected children reside in middle- and low-income countries, highlighting the severe implications of climatic extremities on impoverished communities. In April, floods destroyed over 400 schools in Pakistan, while subsequent heat waves and floods led to further education disruptions in Afghanistan.
The influence of prolonged drought in southern Africa, aggravated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, poses a significant threat to the education of millions of children. The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte in December further deepened the crisis, leaving children out of school for six weeks.
Cyclone Chido also damaged over 330 schools and several educational departments in Mozambique, compounding the ongoing challenges in accessing education. The report asserts that global educational systems remain insufficiently prepared to confront the impacts of extreme weather.
The report released by UNICEF highlights the significant educational disruptions faced by children worldwide due to extreme weather events, particularly climate change. These disruptions affect not only the continuity of learning but also the overall wellbeing of children, as low-income regions remain disproportionately affected. Understanding these circumstances is essential in addressing and mitigating the impacts that climate-related crises impose on educational systems globally.
In summary, UNICEF’s report underscores the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on children’s education, particularly in vulnerable regions. With millions of children experiencing interruptions due to extreme weather, it is critical to enhance the resilience of educational systems and implement protective measures to ensure the continuity of learning amid climate hazards. Comprehensive strategies are required to support the education of affected children.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
