UNICEF Reports Nearly 250 Million Children Miss School Due to Extreme Weather Events

UNICEF’s report reveals that approximately 242 million children in 85 countries experienced school disruptions due to extreme weather in 2024. Particular impacts were noted in low-income regions, with significant interruptions occurring from heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. The situation highlights the urgent need for improved resilience in school infrastructure to withstand the effects of climate change.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that approximately 242 million children across 85 countries missed school due to extreme weather events last year. Such interruptions are attributed to various climate-related hazards including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This amounts to one in seven children globally being affected by these conditions during the course of 2024.

Countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were particularly impacted, with reports of hundreds of schools destroyed by severe weather. However, southern Europe also faced significant disruptions, notably with torrential rains and floods in Italy affecting over 900,000 children and catastrophic flooding in Spain halting classes for thousands.

Climate change has increasingly resulted in extreme weather events, which pose a significant threat to children’s education worldwide. As weather patterns become more unpredictable and severe, schools and their infrastructure—especially in low-income countries—are particularly vulnerable. This situation worsens existing educational inequities and threatens the future of millions of children who rely on stable educational environments for development and opportunity.

In conclusion, the rising incidence of extreme weather has grave implications for children’s education worldwide, as reported by UNICEF. With millions of children missing school due to climate hazards, urgent action is needed to strengthen education systems and infrastructure. It is imperative to address the systemic vulnerabilities and create resilience within education systems, especially in low-income regions most affected by climate change.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com