Climate change impact on education UNICEF climate report 2024 Heatwaves disrupt schooling Global education and climate crisis Children affected by climate shocks
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242 Million Children’s Education Disrupted by Climate Shocks in 2024 — UNICEF

In 2024, extreme weather events disrupted the education of 242 million children across 85 countries, according to a UNICEF report released on Thursday. This alarming statistic represents roughly one in seven students worldwide and highlights an often-overlooked consequence of the climate crisis.

Heatwaves and Flooding Take Their Toll

Heatwaves emerged as the most disruptive factor, with children bearing the brunt of extreme weather conditions. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, explained:

“Children are more vulnerable to extreme weather. They heat up faster, sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults.”

Sweltering classrooms and inaccessible schools due to flooding have created barriers to learning. In countries like the Philippines, thousands of non-air-conditioned schools closed as children faced risks like hyperthermia.

Global Temperatures and Worsening Trends

The report also pointed out that 2024 saw record-high global temperatures, with several months temporarily surpassing the critical 1.5°C warming threshold. This has intensified storms, prolonged heatwaves, and exacerbated floods, leaving schools damaged or destroyed in their wake.

Regions like South Asia were hardest hit, with 128 million schoolchildren affected. India alone accounted for 54 million students impacted by heatwaves, while Bangladesh saw 35 million students similarly affected.

The Long-Term Impact on Children

UNICEF warned that the ongoing climate crisis could lead to even more severe disruptions in the future. Projections show that by 2050:

  • Eight times as many children could face heatwaves compared to 2000.
  • Over three times as many could experience extreme flooding.
  • Wildfire exposure for children could rise 1.7 times.

These challenges, coupled with existing educational gaps—such as two-thirds of children globally being unable to read with comprehension by age 10—risk driving higher dropout rates, especially among girls.

UNICEF’s Call to Action

UNICEF emphasized the need to prioritize education in climate policies, urging investments in climate-resilient classrooms and infrastructure. Catherine Russell stated:

“Education is one of the services most frequently disrupted by climate hazards. Yet, it is often overlooked in policy discussions. Children’s futures must be at the forefront of all climate-related plans and actions.”

The report also serves as a stark reminder that addressing the climate crisis isn’t just about mitigating disasters but ensuring that the most vulnerable populations—children—are not left behind.

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