Climate hazards disrupted school for 1 in 10 students in 2025: UNICEF

One in 10 students from pre-primary to upper secondary globally had their education interrupted by climate hazards last year, according to a new report by the United Nations children’s agency.

Analysing data from 106 countries and territories, UNICEF’s report on Thursday said more than 171 million students were affected globally, with girls disproportionately affected.

The report, titled, Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2025, found that storms, floods, heatwaves, droughts and wildfires disrupted education through school closures, damaged facilities, reduced teaching time, lower attendance and an increased risk of dropping out.

“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 UN agency said 75 percent of the children affected live in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where education systems often lack the resources needed to maintain learning during climate emergencies.

“Girls face heightened risks of dropping out due to insecurity, unsafe learning environments and child marriage,” the report said.

“Damage to schools and sanitation facilities, displacement and lost family income can place additional caregiving and water-collection responsibilities on girls,” it added.

“These pressures can also increase the risk of child marriage, making it more difficult for girls to return to class when schools reopen.”