UNICEF Report: Over 242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather in 2024
UNICEF reports that extreme weather disrupted the education of 242 million children globally in 2024, particularly affecting low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Heat waves emerged as the primary climate hazard, with serious implications for children’s health and learning environments. The findings suggest urgent reforms are necessary to address educational vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change.
In a recent report by UNICEF, it was revealed that over 242 million children across 85 countries faced interruptions in their education in 2024 due to extreme weather events, including heat waves, cyclones, and flooding. This amounts to approximately one in seven school-aged children globally being affected at some point during the year. The report highlights significant impacts on schooling, particularly in low-income countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but extensive disruptions were also observed in regions such as southern Europe due to torrential rains and flooding.
Particularly alarming was the prevalence of heat waves, which emerged as the leading climate hazard affecting schooling last year. In April alone, more than 118 million children experienced disruptions as they dealt with extreme temperatures, often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. UNICEF emphasizes that children’s physiological vulnerabilities make them more susceptible to adverse effects of climate change, severely impacting their learning environment.
The report underscores that the largest share of affected children, numbering around 74%, were from middle- and low-income countries, indicating a disproportionate impact on the most impoverished regions. Countries like Pakistan reported significant school damage due to flooding, while Afghanistan faced challenges from both heat waves and flooding, underscoring the interplay of climate risks in disrupting education. This critical situation is further aggravated by prolonged droughts in Southern Africa, influenced by the El Niño phenomenon.
Recent incidents, including Cyclone Chido, which devastated Mayotte and Mozambique, point to the persistent nature of educational crises stemming from extreme weather. The destruction of over 330 schools in Mozambique accentuates the ongoing struggle for access to education amid rising climate-related challenges. UNICEF’s findings reveal that global educational systems are inadequately equipped to manage the fallout from these escalating climate crises.
UNICEF’s 2024 report highlights the alarming effects of climate change on education, revealing that extreme weather conditions have disrupted the schooling of millions of children worldwide. It draws attention to how climate hazards disproportionately affect children, especially in lower-income nations. The report paints a dire picture of the state of global education systems, which are often unprepared for such challenges, thereby necessitating urgent action to protect children’s right to education amidst climate adversity.
The UNICEF report clearly demonstrates that climate change poses a significant threat to global education, impacting over 242 million children in 2024 through various extreme weather events. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved infrastructure and support systems to ensure that children can access education despite the challenges posed by climate hazards. A cohesive global response is essential to safeguard the future of millions of children who are increasingly vulnerable to environmental crises.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
