UNICEF: 242 Million Children's Education Disrupted by Extreme Weather in 2024

A new report highlights the severe impact of climate hazards on schooling, with heatwaves, floods, and storms affecting students in 85 countries, primarily in low- and middle-income regions.

Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and cyclones, disrupted education for approximately 242 million children globally in 2024, according to UNICEF.
Heatwaves were the most significant climate hazard, affecting 171 million children, with South Asia being the hardest-hit region, impacting 128 million students.
Countries like India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines saw widespread school closures, while flooding destroyed hundreds of schools in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Mozambique.
UNICEF emphasized that children are uniquely vulnerable to extreme weather, with physical limitations affecting their ability to cope with heat and other conditions, further hindering education access.
The report calls for urgent investment in climate-resilient education infrastructure and prioritizing children's futures in climate action plans.