UNICEF Report: Climate Hazards Disrupt Education for Millions in 2025

A recent report from UNICEF reveals that climate-related disruptions affected the education of one in ten students worldwide in 2025, impacting over 171 million children across various educational levels.

According to the report titled "Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2025," the most severe disruptions stemmed from storms, floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. These events not only led to school closures and damaged facilities but also reduced teaching time and increased dropout rates, with girls facing disproportionate challenges.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the devastating effects of climate hazards on children, stating, "For millions of children, climate hazards do not just disrupt classes; they also destroy their schools, uproot their families and deprive the most vulnerable." The report highlights that 75 percent of the affected youth reside in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where educational systems are often ill-equipped to handle such emergencies.

Gender Disparities in Education Disruption

The report underscores the heightened risks for girls, who are more likely to drop out due to factors such as insecurity, unsafe learning environments, and increased responsibilities at home. The pressures from climate-related disruptions can also lead to a rise in child marriages, further complicating their ability to return to school.

Storms Lead to Major School Interruptions

Storms emerged as the primary cause of educational disruptions, affecting approximately 109 million students globally. Floods impacted at least 70 million children, while heatwaves disrupted the schooling of around 50 million. Despite a decrease in overall figures from the previous year, where nearly 250 million children were affected, UNICEF warns of potential long-term impacts, predicting a staggering $200 billion loss in lifetime earnings for those whose education was disrupted in 2025.

UNICEF calls on governments and stakeholders to invest more in creating resilient educational facilities that can withstand climate and environmental challenges.

Source: www.aljazeera.com