Climate hazards disrupt education for 171 million students globally

The United Nations children’s agency reported that more than 171 million students globally experienced interruptions to their education due to climate hazards in 2025. This figure represents approximately one in ten learners from pre-primary through upper secondary levels. The data, compiled from 106 countries and territories, highlights a persistent challenge where environmental extremes directly undermine access to learning.

According to Al Jazeera English, the report identifies a significant disparity in impact, noting that girls are disproportionately affected by these disruptions. The findings suggest that climate-related school closures and infrastructure damage do not merely pause academic progress but actively contribute to long-term exclusion from the education system, particularly for vulnerable female students.

Stark gender disparities in access

The analysis points to specific risks faced by girls, including heightened insecurity and unsafe learning environments. Damage to sanitation facilities and displacement often place additional caregiving and water-collection responsibilities on female students. These pressures can increase the likelihood of child marriage, making it significantly harder for girls to return to the classroom when schools eventually reopen.

Catherine Russell, the UNICEF Executive Director, emphasized that for millions of children, these hazards destroy schools and uproot families. The report underscores that the most vulnerable populations are those in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where education systems often lack the financial resources to maintain continuity during climate emergencies.

Storms lead causes of disruption

Storms emerged as the primary driver of climate-related school disruptions in 2025, affecting 109 million students worldwide. Floods impacted at least 70 million learners, while heatwaves disrupted the schooling of approximately 50 million children. These events led to school closures, damaged facilities, and reduced teaching time, creating a cascading effect on educational outcomes.

While the 2025 figures appear lower than previous estimates, the agency noted a shift in methodology. The analysis now relies on information from aid agencies and local media rather than solely on government data. This change aims to provide a more granular view of on-the-ground realities, although the overall scale of disruption remains substantial.

Long-term economic consequences persist

UNICEF estimates that inaction could result in at least 200 billion dollars in lost lifetime earnings among students whose schooling was disrupted. The agency urges governments and partners to invest in building educational facilities that can withstand climate and environmental hazards. Strengthening infrastructure is presented as a critical step to protect the future economic and social potential of affected children.