UNICEF Reports 250 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather Disruptions
UNICEF reports that approximately 250 million children missed school in 2024 due to extreme weather, affecting education particularly in 85 countries. Key issues included disruptions from heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding, with low-income regions suffering the most. UNICEF called for immediate action to strengthen educational resilience against these climate threats.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently reported that nearly 250 million children missed school in 2024 due to extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding across 85 countries. Specifically, 242 million children experienced interruptions in their education, indicating that one in seven school-aged children globally faced disruptions caused by climate hazards.
According to UNICEF, low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa were particularly affected, with numerous schools destroyed by extreme weather events. However, the impact of severe weather extended to other regions as well; for instance, over 900,000 children in Italy experienced school disruptions due to torrential rains and flooding, while Spain also faced significant educational interruptions after catastrophic flooding.
Heatwaves emerged as the most prevalent climate issue affecting schools last year, with the Earth experiencing its hottest year on record. In April alone, more than 118 million children were affected by excessive heat, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and Asia, where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell noted the heightened vulnerability of children to climate-related crises, emphasizing physiological factors that increase their risks during extreme weather events. Children are less able to cope with high temperatures and disrupted schooling, resulting in potential long-term consequences for their education and well-being.
In 2024, approximately 74% of the affected children resided in middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the severe impact of climatic extremes on impoverished nations. Incidents, such as the destruction of over 400 schools in Pakistan and severe flooding in Afghanistan, further exemplified the detrimental effects climate crises have on education.
Ongoing drought conditions in southern Africa, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon, threatened the educational prospects of millions. Furthermore, recent cyclones in territories like Mayotte and Mozambique prompted significant school closures, exacerbating existing educational struggles in regions already facing infrastructural challenges.
UNICEF concluded that global education systems and schools are inadequately prepared to manage the negative impacts of extreme weather, pointing to the urgent need for effective adaptations to withstand such climate challenges, if the progress in education for many children is to be sustained.
The UNICEF report highlights the alarming trend of educational disruptions caused by extreme weather due to climate change. With millions of children affected globally, especially in low-income countries, this situation not only threatens educational prospects but also the futures of these children. The report emphasizes the urgent need for global awareness and action to mitigate the effects of climate-related crises on education.
In summary, UNICEF’s findings highlight a critical intersection of climate change and educational disruptions impacting millions of children worldwide. With low-income countries suffering disproportionately, immediate action is required to strengthen educational systems against extreme weather. As climate events continue to rise, addressing these challenges is paramount for ensuring that children’s access to education is preserved and enhanced.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
