Climate change is emerging as a major threat to education systems across Eastern and Southern Africa, with a new report by UNICEF warning that up to 520 million students could face learning disruptions by 2050 if urgent action is not taken.
The report highlights that climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts and cyclones have already severely impacted education in the region. Between 2005 and 2024, nearly 130 million children experienced interruptions in their schooling, leading to long-term economic consequences. These disruptions are estimated to result in future earnings losses ranging from 120 billion to 140 billion US dollars.
Looking ahead, the situation is expected to worsen significantly. Projections suggest that between 2025 and 2050, cumulative disruptions could affect between 440 million and 520 million children. This could translate into additional economic losses of up to 380 billion US dollars in future earnings, underlining the scale of the crisis.
Extreme Weather Damaging Schools And Learning Outcomes
The report details how extreme climate events are damaging school infrastructure and disrupting education systems. Floods, storms and droughts have destroyed classrooms, furniture and learning materials, contributing to direct economic losses of approximately 1.3 billion US dollars between 2005 and 2024.
Beyond infrastructure damage, rising temperatures and heatwaves are affecting students’ ability to learn. Experts note that extreme heat reduces concentration, weakens cognitive performance and negatively impacts exam outcomes. Teachers are also facing challenges, including reduced productivity, increased absenteeism and mental health stress.
Climate disasters often force families to migrate, disrupting children’s education and access to schools. Vulnerable groups, including girls, children with disabilities and marginalised communities, are disproportionately affected. Additionally, climate-induced poverty is increasing risks such as child labour, early marriage, gender-based violence and recruitment into armed groups.
Urgent Need For Investment And Climate-Resilient Education Systems
Country-level data further illustrates the severity of the crisis. In Zambia, around 5 million children have experienced climate-related learning disruptions since 2005, contributing to billions in lost future earnings. Without intervention, economic losses in the education sector are expected to rise sharply by 2050.
In Mozambique, devastating cyclones such as Cyclone Idai caused widespread destruction, affecting over one million children and damaging thousands of classrooms and schools.
Despite the growing threat, education receives less than 1.5 per cent of global climate finance, leaving systems underfunded and vulnerable. The report emphasises that investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and adaptive strategies can deliver significant returns. According to the findings, every dollar invested in strengthening education systems could generate up to 13 dollars in benefits by reducing disruptions and protecting long-term development.
Experts stress that immediate and coordinated action is needed to safeguard children’s education. Strengthening policies, increasing funding and building resilient school systems will be critical to ensuring that climate change does not permanently derail the future of millions of students across the region.