UNICEF Report: 242 Million Children Miss School Due to Extreme Weather Events

UNICEF reports that 242 million children in 85 countries missed school last year due to extreme weather, highlighting significant educational disruptions primarily in low-income regions. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding have severely affected children’s ability to receive an education, with 74% of those impacted living in economically challenged areas.

According to a recent report from UNICEF, around 242 million children in 85 countries experienced interruptions to their education last year due to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding. This statistic equates to one in seven school-aged children globally being unable to attend school due to climate-related incidents. Countries, particularly low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, faced significant challenges, with numerous schools destroyed by these climatic disruptions.

The report details how southern Europe also experienced severe weather, notably torrential rains and floods in Italy that disrupted the education of over 900,000 children. Similarly, catastrophic flooding in Spain halted classes for thousands. As the Earth experienced its hottest year on record, heatwaves emerged as the primary climate hazard affecting educational continuity, impacting more than 118 million children in just April.

The growing prevalence of extreme weather due to climate change increasingly affects the education sector, particularly in vulnerable regions. UNICEF’s findings highlight how climate hazards not only disrupt schooling but also pose enduring threats to children’s futures, particularly in low-income areas. The impact of events like Cyclone Chido in December and the severe heatwaves in the Middle East and Asia demonstrates the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt to these changing environmental conditions.

UNICEF’s report highlights the critical issue of climate change and its severe implications for global education. With millions of children unable to attend school due to extreme weather, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, urgent action is required. The need for better preparedness within education systems to withstand environmental crises is essential to protecting children’s right to education and fostering resilience against future climate challenges.

Original Source: www.usnews.com