Fossil fuel emissions disrupt education worldwide

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.