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Climate Crisis Disrupts Education Across Asia Due to Extreme Heat

Record temperatures and prolonged heatwaves have forced widespread school closures, exacerbating educational disparities in vulnerable communities.

Children huddle around a small desk and mini-fan to take classes remotely as schools were shut amid extreme heat in Tondo district in Manila, Philippines on May 03, 2024. The heat index shot up to 53 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country.
Student Lim Sokha, 15, uses a fan to cool down during her class in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 2, 2024.
A student drinks water outside a school in Banda Aceh, Indonesia on May 7, 2024.
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Overview

  • Asia experiences unprecedented school closures as record-breaking heat impacts millions of students.
  • Lack of adequate cooling infrastructure in schools heightens risks of dehydration and heatstroke among children.
  • Vulnerable children in rural areas face increased risks of child labor and trafficking due to school closures.
  • Experts call for urgent government action to address the root causes of climate change and protect children's education.
  • Developed nations see some progress with enhanced school cooling systems, while poorer regions struggle with basic amenities.