Climate change puts girls’ education at greater risk, UNICEF warns

16:48

By: Azzat Manal

Climate change puts girls’ education at greater risk, UNICEF warns

Climate change is increasingly disrupting children’s education, with girls facing a disproportionate risk of falling behind or leaving school altogether, according to UNICEF.

The United Nations Children’s Fund said extreme weather events linked to climate change can have consequences that extend far beyond temporary school closures. Heatwaves, storms, floods and wildfires can damage educational facilities, interrupt lessons and force schools to switch to remote learning, creating additional barriers for children already living in vulnerable conditions.

A UNICEF analysis found that extreme weather events affected more than 171 million students across 106 countries and territories last year, equivalent to roughly one in ten children enrolled in school. Girls were particularly vulnerable when schools were damaged, classes were cancelled or education was disrupted for extended periods.

The organisation said climate-related emergencies can place additional responsibilities on girls, particularly in households affected by displacement, loss of income or damage to basic infrastructure. When access to water becomes more difficult, for example, girls may be expected to spend more time collecting water or helping with household and caregiving duties instead of attending classes.

Such pressures can have serious consequences for their education. UNICEF warned that prolonged disruption may increase the risk of girls dropping out and, in some communities, could contribute to a higher risk of child marriage. Once girls leave school, returning to education can become significantly more difficult even after schools reopen.

Storms were identified as the most common cause of climate-related education disruptions, affecting an estimated 109 million students worldwide last year. Flooding disrupted the education of at least 70 million children, while extreme heat affected around 50 million children and young people.

The scale of the problem reflects the growing exposure of children to climate and environmental hazards. UNICEF estimates that around one billion children, or nearly half of the world’s child population, live in countries considered to face extremely high risks from climate and environmental shocks.

The consequences are not limited to missed classroom time. Interruptions to schooling can undermine children’s development in areas such as literacy, numeracy and other essential skills. UNICEF estimates that lost learning opportunities associated with climate-related disruptions could eventually translate into at least $200 billion in lost lifetime earnings, while also widening existing inequalities between countries and communities.

Children in low-income and lower-middle-income countries are among those most exposed to these risks. Education systems in many of these countries have limited resources to maintain learning during emergencies, while schools may lack climate-resilient buildings, reliable water and sanitation facilities, emergency plans and the technology needed to support distance education.

UNICEF also said it has adjusted the methodology used for its latest assessment, drawing on information from humanitarian organisations and local media rather than relying exclusively on government statistics. The organisation argues that this approach provides a broader picture of how climate-related events are affecting access to education.

The findings underline the importance of making education systems more resilient to a changing climate. UNICEF is calling on governments and partners to increase investment in schools and educational infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather and other environmental threats.

Protecting access to education during climate emergencies is particularly important for girls, who can face additional social and economic pressures when schools close. Ensuring that classrooms remain accessible and safe, while providing essential services such as sanitation and water, could help prevent temporary disruptions from becoming permanent setbacks.

As climate-related disasters become a growing challenge for communities around the world, UNICEF says protecting children’s right to education must remain a central part of climate adaptation and development policies.