UNICEF: Climate disasters interrupted education for over 171 million students
A UNICEF report found that climate hazards such as storms, floods, and heatwaves disrupted schooling for one in ten students globally in 2025. More than 171 million students were affected, with girls disproportionately impacted. The agency noted that 75% of affected children live in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
The report analyzed data from 106 countries, identifying storms as the leading cause, affecting 109 million students, followed by floods (70 million) and heatwaves (50 million). Because 75% of affected children reside in low- and lower-middle-income nations, the burden falls heavily on regions like Africa, where school infrastructure is often least equipped to withstand extreme weather.
Beyond immediate closures, the agency warns of long-term economic fallout, estimating at least $200 billion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students. Girls face unique risks, including increased caregiving duties and higher vulnerability to child marriage, making it harder for them to return to classrooms once schools reopen.
The findings could deepen existing educational inequities across low-income regions, particularly in Africa, where fragile systems may struggle to recover from repeated shocks. For girls, heightened dropout risks may lead to increased child marriage and lost economic opportunities, potentially perpetuating generational poverty. The projected $200 billion in lost earnings could further strain developing economies, making climate-resilient education infrastructure a critical priority for long-term societal stability.