NEW YORK: At least 242 million students across 85 countries faced education disruptions in 2024 due to extreme climate events, according to UNICEF’s latest report, “Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024.”

From heatwaves to typhoons, floods, and droughts, schools worldwide closed or altered schedules, deepening an already critical learning crisis. The report found primary and secondary students were hit hardest, with heatwaves being the most significant climate hazard. In April alone, soaring temperatures disrupted the schooling of 118 million children, particularly in South Asia, where May temperatures reached 47°C, putting students at risk of heatstroke.

The most severe interruptions occurred in September at the start of the academic year, when at least 16 countries closed schools. East Asia and the Pacific bore the brunt of Typhoon Yagi, affecting 16 million students, while South Asia experienced the highest overall disruptions.

Africa was heavily impacted by the El Niño phenomenon, triggering devastating floods in East Africa and severe droughts in southern Africa, further disrupting education.

UNICEF highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in education to fortify schools against climate impacts and strengthen climate-resilient systems. The report urged governments to adopt climate-smart plans, ensuring better protection for children by improving critical social services like education.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell explained children’s vulnerability, stating, “Their bodies are less efficient at cooling, making them more prone to heat-related illnesses.” She added that one in seven students missed classrooms last year due to extreme weather, threatening their health, safety, and futures.