At least 242 million students across 85 countries experienced significant disruptions in their education due to extreme climate events in 2024, according to a new UNICEF report titled Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024. Released on International Day of Education, the report underscores the growing impact of heatwaves, floods, tropical cyclones, and droughts on education, worsening an already critical global learning crisis.
Heatwaves were the leading cause of school closures, affecting over 118 million students in April alone. Countries like Bangladesh and the Philippines witnessed widespread school shutdowns, while Cambodia shortened school days due to scorching temperatures. In parts of South Asia, temperatures reached a staggering 47°C, endangering children’s health and learning environments.
“Children are uniquely vulnerable to weather-related crises,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “They suffer more from heat, can’t concentrate in sweltering classrooms, and face risks from flooded or damaged schools.”
Global Impact of Climate Hazards
South Asia bore the brunt of the disruptions, with 128 million students affected, followed by East Asia and the Pacific, where 50 million students faced interruptions. The report highlights incidents such as:
- Afghanistan: Flash floods in May damaged over 110 schools, displacing thousands of students.
- East Asia: Typhoon Yagi disrupted education for 16 million children in September.
- Africa: El Niño-driven floods and droughts severely impacted education, especially in East and Southern Africa.
Europe was not spared, as torrential rains and floods halted classes for over 900,000 students in Italy and 13,000 in Spain during the fall.
Long-Term Consequences
UNICEF warns that prolonged school closures exacerbate risks of child marriage, labor, and gender-based violence, particularly affecting girls. Children in fragile contexts are less likely to return to school after disasters, further deepening inequalities.
Rising temperatures and extreme weather damage school infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and create unsafe learning conditions. These hazards also affect students’ concentration, mental health, and physical well-being.
UNICEF is urging governments and the private sector to prioritize education in climate adaptation strategies by:
- Integrating child-focused measures into national climate and adaptation plans.
- Investing in climate-resilient learning facilities.
- Increasing funding to improve education sector resilience.
- Incorporating climate change education into curricula.
In Mozambique, UNICEF has already supported the construction of over 1,150 climate-resilient classrooms, benefiting nearly 230 schools hit repeatedly by cyclones.
“Education is a cornerstone of climate adaptation but remains overlooked in policy discussions,” Russell emphasized. “Children’s futures must be central to all climate-related actions.”
With climate crises projected to worsen, the report warns that by the 2050s, children will face eight times more exposure to heatwaves and three times more exposure to severe floods compared to the 2000s. Urgent action is needed to safeguard education and protect the next generation from the escalating impacts of climate change.