UNICEF reports that extreme weather caused interruptions to schooling for 242 million children in 85 countries last year. Heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding were major factors, especially impacting low-income regions. The organization warns that current education systems are not adequately prepared for these crises, necessitating urgent adaptations to protect children’s right to education.
In a recent UNICEF report, it was revealed that approximately 242 million children in 85 countries experienced disruptions to their education last year due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This situation equates to one in seven school-aged children globally facing interruptions in their schooling as a consequence of climate-related hazards.
The report highlights that several nations suffered significant damage, including the destruction of hundreds of schools, with low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa particularly affected. However, no region was spared entirely, as extreme weather also impacted Italy, where torrential rains and flooding disrupted education for over 900,000 children, alongside similar occurrences in Spain.
UNICEF noted that heatwaves were the most prevalent climate-related hazard affecting schools, with 2024 marking the hottest year recorded. In April alone, more than 118 million children faced educational interruptions, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, where a prolonged heatwave saw temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, emphasized the heightened vulnerability of children to weather-related crises, stating, “Children are more vulnerable to the impacts of weather-related crises…” Children’s physiological differences make them particularly susceptible to heat and other extreme weather conditions that impede their ability to learn.
The report indicated that about 74% of the affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the disproportionate impact of climatic extremes on impoverished nations. For instance, flooding in Pakistan adversely affected over 400 schools, while severe heatwaves followed by flooding in Afghanistan led to the destruction of over 110 schools.
Furthermore, persistent drought conditions in southern Africa, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, threaten the educational prospects of millions of children. The challenges intensified with Cyclone Chido destroying numerous schools in the French territory of Mayotte and the mainland nation of Mozambique, compounding existing educational deficiencies in these regions.
UNICEF concluded that the current global education systems are inadequately prepared to handle the ramifications of extreme weather events, posing a significant barrier to children’s education.
The issue at hand reflects the alarming intersection of extreme weather events and education. UNICEF’s report highlights the escalation of climate-related crises, underscoring the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children. As global temperatures rise and the frequency of extreme weather increases, educational systems in many regions remain ill-equipped to adapt, further complicating the challenges faced by children in low- and middle-income countries.
In summary, UNICEF’s report sheds light on the extensive disruptions to education due to extreme weather affecting over 240 million children globally. The disproportionate impact on low-income regions highlights a pressing need for improved educational preparedness for climate-related incidents. Efforts to strengthen educational infrastructure and system resilience against climate hazards are essential to safeguard children’s futures amidst increasing weather-related challenges.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
