An alarming analysis released by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reveals that in 2024, the education of 33 million children in Bangladesh was severely disrupted by climate crises.
Published on Friday, the report titled \\"Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024\\" is the first of its kind. It highlights how extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, floods, and other natural disasters led to multiple rounds of school closures around the world.
Bangladesh, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, witnessed significant disruption in its education sector. Frequent cyclones and floods damaged school infrastructure, displaced communities, and made it challenging for children to access education.
\\"The impact of climate change on education is profound,\\" remarked a UNICEF spokesperson. \\"In Bangladesh alone, 33 million children faced interruptions to their schooling in 2024 due to severe weather events.\\"
The report emphasizes the need for urgent action to build resilient education systems. It calls on governments and international organizations to invest in climate-adaptive infrastructure, develop emergency preparedness plans, and integrate climate education into curricula.
Local educators in Bangladesh have been striving to mitigate these challenges. Mobile schools and temporary learning centers have been set up in some affected areas to ensure continuity of education. However, resource constraints and the scale of the disasters make it an uphill battle.
The global community is urged to support initiatives that protect children's right to education in the face of climate change. Ensuring that children can continue learning during and after climate-related disruptions is critical for their future and for the sustainable development of their communities.
Reference(s):
Schooling of 33 million Bangladeshi kids hit by climate crises in 2024
cgtn.com
