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A new report from UNICEF has revealed that approximately 242 million children in 85 countries experienced disruptions to their education last year due to extreme weather events. This represents roughly one in seven students globally. The report highlights that the climate crisis is increasingly affecting children’s ability to learn and access education, with heatwaves emerging as the most impactful factor.
UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, pointed out the heightened vulnerability of children to extreme weather conditions. “Children heat up faster, they sweat less efficiently, and cool down more slowly than adults,” Russell explained in a statement. “They 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.”
Heatwaves: The Major Climate Threat to Children’s Education
The report showed that heatwaves were the leading cause of disruptions to schooling in 2024. In total, at least 171 million children were affected by heatwaves, including 118 million in April alone. Countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Thailand, and the Philippines saw temperatures soar, forcing many schools to close. In the Philippines, thousands of schools without air conditioning had to shut down, putting children at risk of heat-related illnesses such as hyperthermia.
With global temperatures reaching record highs in 2024, the frequency and severity of heatwaves are expected to increase in the coming years. UNICEF warns that these extreme heat events are becoming more common, making it difficult for children to study in oppressive conditions. As temperatures rise, the risk of school closures and delays in reopening will continue to disrupt education, especially in areas lacking adequate infrastructure to cope with the heat.
Regional Impact: South Asia Hardest Hit by Climate-Related Disruptions
South Asia bore the brunt of climate-related school interruptions, with 128 million children affected. India experienced the highest number of disruptions, with 54 million children impacted by heatwaves. Bangladesh, another country heavily impacted by heatwaves, had 35 million children affected. This pattern of extreme heat and unpredictable weather has made it increasingly difficult for students in these regions to maintain consistent schooling.
The timing of the school year also played a role in the widespread disruption. September, which marks the start of the academic year in many countries, saw classes suspended in 18 countries due to devastating storms, including Typhoon Yagi in East Asia and the Pacific. These typhoons and other severe weather events created hazardous conditions, further impacting children’s ability to attend school.
The Growing Risk of Future Disruptions
UNICEF projections show a troubling trend: if greenhouse gas emissions continue on their current trajectory, the number of children exposed to extreme heat will increase eightfold by 2050 compared to 2000. Extreme floods will impact three times as many children, and the risk of wildfires will rise by 1.7 times. As the global climate crisis accelerates, the effects on education are expected to become even more severe, making it imperative for governments to take action now.
UNICEF also expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of these disruptions. The agency warned that extreme weather could increase dropout rates, particularly among girls, who already face significant barriers to education in many parts of the world. With two-thirds of children unable to read with comprehension by age 10, the education system is already under strain. The additional challenges posed by climate hazards are exacerbating this crisis.
The Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Schools
In light of these findings, UNICEF is calling for urgent investment in creating classrooms that are more resistant to climate hazards. The agency emphasized that education is one of the most frequently disrupted services due to climate events but is often overlooked in broader climate policy discussions.
“Children’s futures must be at the forefront of all climate-related plans and actions,” Russell said. By prioritizing education in climate resilience strategies, governments can help protect the future of millions of children worldwide. Resilient schools and infrastructure are crucial to ensuring that children can continue to learn in the face of a changing climate.
The report highlights that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue—it is a social and educational issue that requires immediate attention. By investing in climate-resilient education systems, governments can help safeguard the well-being and future opportunities of children who are most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming.
