UNICEF Report Highlights Climate Change Disruptions to Children’s Education

UNICEF reported that around 242 million children in 85 countries faced school interruptions due to extreme weather in the previous year. The effects were most severe in low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The findings highlight children’s vulnerability to climate change and call for improved resilience in educational systems worldwide.

According to a recent report by UNICEF, the severe effects of climate change caused approximately 242 million children across 85 countries to have their education disrupted last year. This staggering number represents about one in seven school-aged children worldwide who faced interruptions due to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. The report emphasized that low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were particularly impacted, suffering significant losses in school infrastructure.

Various regions experienced significant weather-related disruptions, with Southern Europe, for instance, facing devastating floods. Italy’s torrential rains in late 2023 affected more than 900,000 children, while catastrophic flooding in Spain led to further class cancellations. The predominant threat, however, was heatwaves, which reached unprecedented levels globally, prompting school closures in several regions.

In April alone, over 118 million children were affected when intense heatwaves struck the Middle East and parts of Asia, with temperatures soaring beyond 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted children’s unique vulnerabilities to climate-related crises, noting their physiological traits that make them more susceptible to extreme temperatures and adverse weather effects, which hampers their ability to learn.

The report by UNICEF underscores the ongoing crisis faced by children due to climate change, portraying an alarming scenario where education is significantly disrupted by environmental factors. It illustrates the specific challenges faced by low-income nations, where infrastructure is less resilient, and the educational systems are poorly equipped to withstand climate extremes. The findings reveal a growing concern for the future of education in the context of climate change, emphasizing urgent action to enhance the resilience of schools and education systems worldwide.

UNICEF’s report serves as a crucial reminder of the severe impact of climate change on children’s education. With millions of children affected, especially in low-income regions, immediate action is needed to bolster educational infrastructure against extreme weather. It is imperative that efforts are made to protect children’s right to education amidst challenges posed by climate hazards, ensuring they can learn in safe and conducive environments.

Original Source: www.pbs.org