The United Nations Children's Fund says at least 242 million children in 85 countries had their schooling interrupted last year because of heatwaves, cyclones, flooding and other extreme weather.

Summary

UNICEF reported that 242 million children in 85 countries had their education disrupted in 2024 due to extreme weather, including heatwaves, cyclones, flooding, and droughts.

One in seven school-aged children globally missed school, with low-income nations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa most affected.

Heatwaves were the leading cause, impacting 118 million children in April alone.

Flooding and storms destroyed hundreds of schools, particularly in Pakistan, Mozambique, and Afghanistan.

UNICEF highlighted that schools are poorly equipped to handle climate crises, disproportionately affecting children in vulnerable regions.