In 2024, the education of 33 million children in Bangladesh was severely disrupted due to climate crises, according to a new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The report, titled “Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024“, highlights how heatwaves, cyclones, floods, and other extreme weather events led to multiple rounds of school closures around the world.
Globally, at least 247 million students in 77 countries faced interruptions in their schooling caused by climate-related events. South Asia was the most affected region, with Bangladesh experiencing nationwide heatwaves in April and May 2024. The extreme temperatures put children at risk of dehydration and heatstroke, forcing schools across the country to shut down for up to two weeks.
As if the heatwaves weren’t enough, several districts in Bangladesh were later hit by Cyclone Remal, followed by intense flooding in June. These natural disasters impacted up to 18.4 million people, including 7 million children, causing further disruptions to education.
“The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, exacerbated by the climate crisis, is having a knock-on effect on children’s education in Bangladesh and depriving children of their right to learn,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative to Bangladesh. “Extreme temperatures and other climate hazards don’t only damage schools, they can affect students’ concentration, memory, and mental and physical health.”
Flowers also expressed concern over the long-term effects of prolonged school closures. “Prolonged school closures increase the chance of children, especially adolescent girls, dropping out of school and being married off by families to cope with economic stress,” she said.
According to the UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index, children in Bangladesh are among the most exposed and vulnerable in the world to climate and environmental hazards. The report calls for urgent action to address the climate crisis and protect children’s right to education.
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Schooling of 33 million Bangladeshi kids hit by climate crises in 2024
cgtn.com