A recent report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) highlights that the education of at least 242 million children across 85 countries was disrupted last year due to extreme weather events.

These events, including heatwaves, cyclones, and floods, have significantly impacted the education sector, especially in low-income countries in Asia and Africa.

The report points out that in 2024, approximately one in seven school-aged children worldwide were unable to attend school because of climate-related hazards.

The destruction of hundreds of schools by severe weather, particularly in Asia and Africa, represents a major threat to educational continuity.

In Europe, Italy faced torrential rains and flooding at the end of the year, affecting the schooling of over 900,000 children.

Meanwhile, in Spain, deadly floods led to the cancellation of numerous school sessions.

While Southern Europe contended with fatal floods, regions in Asia and Africa grappled with both floods and cyclones.

According to UNICEF, heatwaves were the predominant climate threat behind last year's school closures.

The report detailed that in April alone, the intense heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, caused education disruptions for over 118 million children across much of the Middle East and Asia.

These conditions are particularly challenging for children, who are more vulnerable to climate-related crises such as heatwaves, storms, droughts, and floods.

According to Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, children not only heat up faster and cool down slower than adults, but their ability to concentrate in hot classrooms is also hindered.

Additionally, when access to schools is obstructed by floodwaters, or when schools are damaged by flooding, educational access is severely impacted.

The data indicates that approximately 74% of the children affected by these disruptions reside in middle and low-income countries.

For instance, in April alone, flooding in Pakistan destroyed over 400 schools, while severe flooding in Afghanistan in May damaged more than 110 schools following heatwaves.

In southern Africa, extended drought periods have jeopardized the education of millions of children.

Furthermore, the Indian Ocean's Mayotte island was struck by Cyclone Chido in December, and subsequent storms like Tropical Storm Dikeledi in January forced schools to close for six weeks.

In Mozambique, Cyclone Chido destroyed over 330 schools and three regional educational divisions, exacerbating existing challenges in access to education.

UNICEF's findings underscore the widespread impact of climate change on global education, particularly in regions already facing substantial socio-economic challenges.