Europe facing rising heatwave challenges in schools

Rising temperatures in Europe are posing significant challenges to educational institutions. Currently, approximately 16,600 schools in the region experience at least one day per year with temperatures exceeding 30°C. Projections suggest this number could double to 34,200 schools by 2050.

In 2024, heatwaves disrupted the education of over 900,000 students across Europe, leading to school closures, shortened class times, or lessons being moved outdoors. High classroom temperatures negatively impact student concentration, information retention, and overall well-being, while also making it difficult for teachers to conduct lessons effectively.

The World Health Organization notes that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising at roughly twice the global average. Experts emphasize the need to adapt building infrastructure to withstand climate change, focusing on preventing overheating before air conditioning becomes a necessity.