Extreme climate events in 2024 disrupted 242 million students: UNICEF
UNICEF Report Highlights Climate Impact on Education in 2024
In 2024, extreme climate events disrupted the education of 242 million students across 85 countries, according to a new report by UNICEF titled "Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024." The report highlights how heatwaves, tropical cyclones, storms, floods, and droughts have exacerbated an existing learning crisis.
Impact on Students
The report reveals that children in primary to upper secondary education were most affected. Heatwaves were the primary climate hazard, closing schools and affecting 118 million students in April alone. In May, temperatures reached 47 degrees Celsius in parts of South Asia, posing a risk of heatstroke to children.
Regional Disruptions
Significant disruptions occurred in September, affecting 16 countries at the start of the academic year. East Asia and the Pacific were notably impacted by Typhoon Yagi, affecting 16 million children. South Asia experienced the highest levels of disruption, with 50 million students affected in East Asia and the Pacific.
El Nino's Impact
The El Nino phenomenon caused severe floods in East Africa and extreme drought in southern Africa, further impacting education.
Call for Action
UNICEF emphasizes the need for increased financial investment in education to improve school infrastructure and protect students from climate impacts. Strengthening climate-smart national plans is crucial to enhance social services for children, including education.
UNICEF's Statement
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that children are particularly vulnerable to climate crises, with their bodies less efficient at cooling down, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. In 2024, extreme weather left one in seven students out of classrooms, threatening their health and educational outcomes.
Doubts Revealed
UNICEF
UNICEF stands for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. It is an organization that helps children around the world, especially in areas like health, education, and safety.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term changes in the Earth's weather patterns, often caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels. It can lead to extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods.
Heatwaves
Heatwaves are periods of extremely hot weather that can last for days or weeks. They can make it difficult for people to go to school or work and can be dangerous to health.
Cyclones
Cyclones are powerful storms with strong winds and heavy rain. They can cause a lot of damage to buildings and roads, making it hard for students to get to school.
Typhoon Yagi
Typhoon Yagi was a big storm that happened in East Asia and the Pacific. It affected many children by damaging schools and homes.
South Asia
South Asia is a region in the world that includes countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It often faces extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves.
Investment in education
Investment in education means putting money and resources into schools and learning. This helps make sure students can keep learning even when there are problems like climate change.
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