UNICEF: Climate disasters disrupted learning for 171 million students in 2025

A new report by UNICEF reveals that over 171 million students, from preschool to secondary school, had their learning interrupted by climate-related disasters in 2025. This figure represents approximately one in ten students globally.

Storms were the primary cause of disruption, affecting 109 million students, followed by floods affecting 70 million and heatwaves affecting 50 million. These extreme weather events led to school closures, physical damage to facilities, forced transitions to remote learning, reduced instructional time, and increased dropout risks.

While students across all income levels were affected, three-quarters of those impacted reside in low- and lower-middle-income countries. These nations often lack the educational resources necessary to maintain learning during climate emergencies. The report highlights that girls face higher risks of dropping out due to increased domestic responsibilities, such as water collection, and a heightened risk of child marriage following school closures.