Climate Disruptions Are Wiping Out a Generation of Learners

When Climate Strikes Schools

In 2025, one in ten students globally — more than 171 million — had their education interrupted by climate-related disasters, according to a new report from UNICEF. The figures are staggering, but even more alarming is the story behind them.

These aren't just numbers — they represent real children, often in regions already grappling with limited resources and systemic inequalities. From floods in Bangladesh to droughts in East Africa, climate hazards are forcing schools to close, damaging infrastructure, and uprooting families. But it's not just about broken buildings or delayed lessons — it's a crisis that could haunt students for decades.

"For millions of children, climate hazards do not just disrupt classes; they also destroy their schools, uproot their families and deprive the most vulnerable," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

The Unequal Burden on Girls

What stands out in UNICEF's findings is how disproportionately girls are affected. In conflict-ridden or low-resource areas, girls often face additional challenges that compound the impact of school disruptions: early marriage, increased caregiving responsibilities, and a higher risk of gender-based violence.

"Damage to schools and sanitation facilities, displacement and lost family income can place additional caregiving and water-collection responsibilities on girls," the report states. "These pressures can also increase the risk of child marriage, making it more difficult for girls to return to class when schools reopen."

This is a crisis of gender equity, too — one that threatens not just education, but entire futures. In places where education is already scarce, school closures don't just mean lost learning — they often mean the end of a girl's chance at a better life.

Storms, Floods, and Heatwaves: The Climate Toll on Education

The report breaks down the types of climate disruptions that caused the most impact in 2025. Storms were the biggest culprit, affecting 109 million children globally. Floods followed with 70 million students impacted, while heatwaves disrupted learning for about 50 million children.

These disasters are not isolated incidents — they are symptoms of a warming planet. As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, creating cascading effects that touch every aspect of society — including education.

It's not just about the immediate damage. The long-term consequences are equally devastating. When children miss school due to disasters, they fall behind — and that gap is hard to close. For many, it's a step toward dropping out entirely.

A Changing Methodology, A Clearer Picture?

UNICEF's updated analysis shows fewer students affected than in the 2024 report — which estimated nearly 250 million children impacted across 85 countries. That might sound like good news, but it's not. The agency says the change is due to a new methodology that relies more heavily on information from aid organizations and local media rather than government data.

This shift may reflect a more accurate picture of where students are truly affected — especially in regions where governments lack transparency or resources to report such disruptions. But it also underscores a critical issue: how hard it is to get comprehensive data in the first place, especially during climate emergencies.

The Hidden Economic Cost

UNICEF's projections go beyond educational impact. They estimate that if no action is taken, the economic cost of disrupted schooling could reach $200 billion in lost lifetime earnings — just for students affected in 2025 alone.

It's a sobering reminder that education isn't just about learning — it's about building futures. When climate hazards shut down schools, they also close doors to opportunity. And those doors, once closed, are not easily reopened.

A Call for Resilient Infrastructure

So what can be done? UNICEF's report doesn't just call for sympathy — it asks for action. The agency urges governments and international partners to invest in climate-resilient school infrastructure. This means building schools that can withstand floods, storms, and heatwaves, as well as investing in digital learning tools that can keep students engaged even when they can't attend class in person.

But funding alone isn't enough. It must be coupled with strategies to protect vulnerable groups — especially girls — during and after climate disasters. The world has a responsibility not just to rebuild schools, but to ensure that education remains a right, not a privilege.

Building Back Better

Climate change is no longer a distant threat — it's a present reality. And as we continue to grapple with its effects, one thing is clear: children must not be left behind in the process of adaptation and recovery. The next generation is counting on us to make sure that education isn't disrupted by disasters, but protected from them.

It's time for a global shift — one that recognizes the deep connection between climate resilience and educational equity. In 2025, we saw the cost of inaction. Now, it's time to invest in solutions that build back better, not just schools, but futures.