UNICEF: Climate Change Causes School Absences for 1 in 10 Children Globally

One in ten children globally misses school due to climate-related disruptions, according to a new UNICEF report released ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

The report estimates that around 250 million children lose schooling time each year as a result of floods, extreme heat, storms, and other climate-driven events that force school closures or make it unsafe for students to travel to class.

Most Affected Regions

South and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Latin America are among the regions most affected, where climate shocks compound existing vulnerabilities in education systems.

UNICEF notes that children in low-income countries are disproportionately exposed to these risks and have fewer resources to recover from learning losses.

Long-Term Consequences

Extended absences can have lasting effects on literacy, numeracy, and social development, particularly for girls who may not return to school after prolonged closures.

UNICEF calls on governments and international donors to invest in climate-resilient schools — including proper ventilation and cooling systems, flood-resistant infrastructure, and early warning systems — as part of adaptation strategies.

The organization also urges action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, noting that accelerating climate change will worsen the educational crisis for children unless global warming is curbed.