UNICEF Reports 250 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather in 2024

UNICEF reports that nearly 250 million children missed school due to extreme weather in 2024, significantly affecting education globally. The impact was severe in low-income nations, with notable interruptions in southern Europe as well. Key issues included heatwaves, cyclones, and flooding, particularly in mid and low-income areas, requiring urgent attention to strengthen educational resilience against climate change.

According to UNICEF, approximately 250 million children worldwide missed school in 2024 due to extreme weather events, equating to one in seven school-aged children affected by climate-related disruptions. The report highlights that events such as heatwaves, cyclones, and floods have significantly interrupted education in at least 85 countries, primarily impacting low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, southern Europe was not immune, as severe flooding in Italy and Spain disrupted education for hundreds of thousands of children.

In April 2024 alone, over 118 million children experienced school interruptions during a severe heatwave that affected vast areas from Gaza to the Philippines, with temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C). UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that children are particularly vulnerable, as their bodies do not handle extreme heat as efficiently as adults, often preventing them from concentrating in class or traveling to school when paths are flooded.

The report indicates that 74% of the affected children reside in middle- and low-income countries, underscoring the severe impact of climate extremes on impoverished populations. Countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan faced catastrophic flooding and heatwaves this past year, destroying hundreds of schools and threatening the educational futures of millions.

Drought conditions exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon across southern Africa have further endangered children’s education. Recent extreme weather events, including Cyclone Chido in the French territory of Mayotte and temporary cyclonic activity in Mozambique, left a significant number of schools and educational facilities in ruins, disrupting education for weeks.

UNICEF’s report emphasizes that educational systems globally lack sufficient preparedness to manage the effects of extreme weather, which are becoming increasingly prevalent.

The article addresses the significant impact of extreme weather on children’s education worldwide, reporting that nearly 250 million children have been unable to attend school due to climate hazards such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities faced by children, particularly in low-income regions, demonstrating the urgent need for more resilient educational systems to withstand climate-related disruptions.

In conclusion, the alarming statistic that nearly 250 million children missed school due to extreme weather in 2024 reveals the urgent need for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change on education. As regions disproportionately affected struggle with natural disasters, there is an imperative to enhance the resilience of educational systems in vulnerable countries. Moreover, addressing the unique vulnerabilities of children to climate crises might help safeguard their educational opportunities and futures.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com