UNICEF Report: 242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather Interruptions in Education

UNICEF reported that extreme weather disrupted education for at least 242 million children in 85 countries last year, highlighting the critical impact of climate hazards on schooling. The report indicated that low-income nations in Asia and Africa were severely affected, alongside challenges in southern Europe. Children are uniquely vulnerable to climate impacts, and urgent measures are required to bolster educational systems against these threats.

According to a recent UNICEF report, at least 242 million children in 85 countries faced disruptions in their education last year due to extreme weather events such as heat waves, cyclones, and floods. This situation affected approximately one in seven children globally, highlighting the significant impact of climate hazards on education.

The report indicated that certain countries experienced the destruction of hundreds of schools, with low-income regions in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa suffering particularly severe consequences. However, other areas, including southern Europe, were also affected, with extreme weather leading to significant school interruptions.

UNICEF emphasized that heat waves were the primary climatic threat leading to school closures last year, alongside severe flooding. In April alone, over 118 million children experienced interruptions in their education during intense heat waves spanning from Gaza to the Philippines.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, pointed out that children’s bodies are uniquely susceptible to the dangers of climate-related crises, stating that “Children cannot concentrate in classrooms that offer no respite from sweltering heat, and they cannot get to school if the path is flooded, or if schools are washed away.”

Approximately 74% of children affected were from middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the severe impact of climatic extremes on impoverished nations. In Pakistan and Afghanistan, many schools were destroyed due to flooding and heat waves, significantly hampering the education of millions.

The ongoing crises continue to threaten the educational opportunities of children, with regions such as Mayotte suffering from repeated cyclones, leaving many children out of school for extended periods. Notably, Cyclone Chido destroyed over 330 schools in Mozambique, where access to education is already critically impaired.

UNICEF concludes that the global educational systems are largely unprepared to effectively respond to the repercussions of extreme weather, putting millions of children’s education at risk.

UNICEF has been actively assessing the impact of climate change on children’s education, revealing the alarming statistics of school interruptions due to environmental disasters. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, the ability of children to access quality education is increasingly compromised, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions. This crucial report underscores the urgent need for educational systems and communities to adapt and prepare for the challenges posed by climate change.

The alarming findings from UNICEF underscore the critical impact of extreme weather on educational access for children worldwide, particularly in vulnerable regions. With millions facing interruptions in their education due to climatic events, immediate attention is required to enhance the resilience of educational systems. It is imperative that global efforts focus on addressing these challenges to secure a better future for the world’s children.

Original Source: www.voanews.com