Rising global temperatures, driven by fossil fuel use, are causing widespread school closures, threatening education progress for millions of children.
Somini Sengupta reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Extreme heat has led to significant school closures in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, affecting millions of students.
- Children today experience far more extreme heat days than previous generations, with those in low-income countries most affected.
- Climate change is projected to worsen these disruptions, with children in vulnerable regions facing the greatest educational setbacks.
Key quote:
“We are deeply concerned that the number of extreme heat days is going to indirectly lead to learning loss.”
— Lily Caprani, chief of advocacy for Unicef.
Why this matters:
The educational progress made in recent decades is at risk, particularly in the world's most climate-vulnerable regions. Without significant adaptation and mitigation efforts, millions of children could be deprived of their right to education.
