242 Million Children Affected by Extreme Weather, UNICEF Reports

A recent report from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that 242 million children in 85 countries faced educational disruptions due to extreme weather events in 2021. This alarming statistic indicates that one in seven school-going children globally missed school at some point due to climate-related issues such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones.

The report highlights that nearly three-quarters of those affected reside in middle- and low-income countries, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which have been disproportionately impacted. Many schools were destroyed, making it difficult for children to continue their education. For instance, flooding in Pakistan led to the loss of over 400 schools, while Afghanistan experienced significant educational disruptions due to a heatwave followed by flooding affecting more than 110 schools.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, emphasized children’s vulnerability to climate-related crises, mentioning their physiological sensitivity to extreme temperatures. In April alone, a widespread heatwave across the Middle East and Asia disrupted studies for over 118 million children, as temperatures soared past 40 degrees Celsius.

The report also notes that regions like southern Africa are experiencing prolonged droughts exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, further jeopardizing the education and future of millions. The destruction caused by cyclones in impoverished areas, such as Mayotte and Mozambique, further illustrates the urgent need for schools and educational systems to adapt to the realities of extreme weather.

UNICEF stated that the current global education systems are largely ill-equipped to handle the ongoing impacts of climate change, which calls for immediate action to protect children’s right to education amid growing environmental challenges.