Climate Action
Schools Feeling the Heat and Facing Consequences of Climate Change
September 4, 2024
We know that climate education has a big role to play in mitigating the impacts of climate change, which is why EARTHDAY.ORG has been championing the teaching of climate education for over a decade now. We know that it alleviates climate anxiety, trains students with so-called “green skills,” and instills planet friendly lifestyles in younger generations that they will instinctively rely on to navigate a changing world. Our own recent report, Climate Education vs. The Climate Crisis, touched on all of these facts.
But as we understand how education can influence our response to climate change, we often overlook a critical truth: climate change is already reshaping the very foundation of education itself. Schools around the globe are facing an unprecedented threat, as extreme weather events force closures, disrupt learning, and deepen educational inequities.
According to a recent report by the World Bank, climate change has caused widespread school closures, impacting the education of millions of students globally. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, 404 million students in 81 countries faced disruptions due to natural disasters, with low-income countries suffering the most. These nations lost an average of 45 days of instruction, a setback that many communities cannot easily recover from.
For countless schools worldwide, the story is the same: devastating floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and other extreme events have forced closures, sometimes for weeks, and in some cases, permanently. While some schools have the resources to rebuild, many do not. Even when reconstruction is possible, the damage extends beyond physical buildings. Students fall behind, and the shift to online learning — where available — fails to replicate the structure, social interaction, and oversight that traditional classrooms provide.
The environment is no longer a backdrop to education; it has become the setting for education and one that we must urgently address to safeguard the future of students everywhere.
Grizzly Flats, California, USA: The Caldor Fire
In August 2021, a devastating fire ignited the El Dorado National Forest, fueled by brush from an extended drought and driven by relentless high winds – conditions that have become increasingly common globally due to climate change. The Caldor Fire quickly engulfed 219,000 acres, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Entire communities were decimated overnight, including the tight-knit area surrounding Walt Tyler Elementary School.
For over two decades, Walt Tyler Elementary had been a cornerstone of the community. When the fire swept through, it destroyed the school, leaving instructors without jobs and parents scrambling to find a semblance of normalcy for their children”s education. The fire also ravaged many homes, forcing families to face the dual challenge of finding a place to live while ensuring their children did not fall behind in their studies.
Some families were able to enroll their children in nearby schools, but others struggled to keep up, further widening educational gaps. The community has shown resilience, banding together to rebuild what was lost. Yet, not every community has the ability to slowly bounce back.
Bentiu, South Sudan: Devastating Flood
In Bentiu, South Sudan, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly dire, with extreme rainfall leading to devastating floods. Scientists have noted that as the Earth warms, the Horn of Africa and its surrounding regions are likely to experience more intense and frequent rainfall. This phenomenon occurs because a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, resulting in heavier downpours.
The floods in Bentiu have had a profound effect on the community, particularly on the town’s school, which has been submerged and rendered unusable. When schools are closed the educational prospects of all students are severely disrupted. However, girls are disproportionately affected. Extended school closures increase the likelihood of child marriage, transactional sex for basic necessities, and early pregnancy, further diminishing their future prospects and resilience to climate impacts.
Across the region, many schools have suffered similar fates. In Sudan and Niger alone, 116 schools have been damaged in recent months. These floods compound existing challenges such as rising hunger, ongoing conflict, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating even greater barriers to education and threatening the future of an entire generation.
Covington, Tennessee, USA: Powerful Tornado
In Covington, Tennessee, the community is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful tornado that tore through the town, leaving behind a path of destruction. Crestview Elementary and Middle Schools, which had served the community for over 20 years, were among the hardest hit.
The tornado obliterated both schools, leaving students, teachers, and staff with virtually nothing. With hardly any walls left standing, the buildings are now unusable, forcing the schools to shut down until further notice.
Tornadoes are tricky to understand in the context of climate change, however scientists acknowledge that a warming climate can create conditions that may exacerbate extreme weather events. Increased atmospheric moisture and changing wind patterns are just some of the factors that could influence tornado activity. Though the specific impact of climate change on tornadoes remains uncertain, it”s clear that it isn”t helping.
The loss of these schools has left a deep void in the community. For two decades, they were pillars of education and support for local families, and their sudden destruction has thrown the futures of countless students into uncertainty. As the community begins the long process of rebuilding, they face the challenge of restoring not just the physical structures, but the sense of stability and normalcy that these schools provided.
Sindh, Pakistan: Insidious Mold
In Sindh, Pakistan, catastrophic floods have led to the destruction of 5,000 schools, with mold infestations caused by the prolonged water exposure rendering these educational facilities unusable. The floods, which are increasingly seen as part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events linked to climate change, have had a devastating impact on the region”s infrastructure.
While it”s challenging to directly attribute these specific floods to climate change, scientists agree that a warming climate is likely exacerbating the frequency and severity of such events. Higher global temperatures can increase atmospheric moisture, leading to more intense rainfall and prolonged flooding. In this context, climate change is not helping and may be contributing to the worsening of conditions that lead to outcomes like those in Sindh.
The widespread destruction of these schools is a significant setback for the education of thousands of children. As the region struggles to recover, the task of rebuilding these institutions and providing a safe learning environment for students is both urgent and daunting.
Serbia, Russia: Extreme Cold
Heat is not the only factor affecting learning. In Serbia, extreme cold temperatures have presented significant challenges for students, impacting their ability to concentrate. Despite schools remaining open during severe cold spells, classrooms have struggled to maintain temperatures above 50°F, which has been shown to negatively impact learning.
Recent findings link these extreme cold events to broader climate change patterns. As the Arctic warms, it disrupts traditional weather systems and can contribute to more intense and widespread cold waves. This phenomenon, where warming in the Arctic leads to increased cold spells elsewhere, is part of the complex interaction between climate change and weather extremes.
Though Serbians are no strangers to the cold, -58°F is weather unsuitable for learning.
Dominican Republic: Hurricane
Hurricane Fiona has severely impacted the Dominican Republic, exposing a significant portion of the population, especially children, to multiple climate shocks. According to UNICEF, 9 out of 10 children in the region have faced at least two climate-related disasters.
The hurricane has caused widespread damage to essential infrastructure, including schools. The repeated exposure to such climate shocks exacerbates their vulnerability, making recovery and rebuilding efforts even more challenging.
The increasing intensity of hurricanes like Fiona is linked to climate change, which contributes to warmer ocean temperatures and more extreme weather events. This means that storms are not only becoming more frequent but also more severe, exacerbating the damage and disruption they cause.
Greece, Europe: Extreme Heat
In Greece, a severe heatwave has led to the shutdown of schools as temperatures soar to 109°F. The extreme heat has prompted authorities to close educational institutions to protect students and staff from the health risks associated with such high temperatures.
The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves are linked to climate change, which is driving more extreme weather events. Rising global temperatures contribute to more intense and prolonged heat waves, impacting daily life and heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses.
For students in Greece, the closure of schools due to the heatwave not only disrupts their education but also underscores the broader effects of climate change on public health and infrastructure. Local schools were not equipped to handle these extreme temperatures, and studies indicate that students struggle to concentrate in such conditions.
Petrópolis, Brazil: Mudslide
In February 2022, devastating mudslides struck the city of Petrópolis in Brazil, leading to over 90 fatalities and leaving dozens still missing. The disaster, which has been linked to human activities such as deforestation and poor urban planning, highlights the severe impacts of climate change and environmental mismanagement.
The mudslides have also disrupted the lives of many students in the region. Several schools were repurposed as emergency shelters for those displaced by the disaster, forcing students to miss classes and contributing to significant educational interruptions. The use of schools as shelters underscores the broader impacts of the mudslides on community infrastructure and daily life.
New Delhi, India: Smog
In New Delhi, India, intense smog caused by the annual burning of crop residue has led to dangerously poor air quality, resulting in widespread school closures. The thick, toxic haze that blankets the city each year has prompted authorities to shut down schools to protect students from the severe health risks associated with such high levels of air pollution.
The smog has been linked to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions such as asthma and heart disease. The impact on public health is significant, with vulnerable populations, especially children, facing increased risks due to the hazardous air quality.
As the city grapples with the recurring smog crisis, the focus is on finding effective solutions to address the root causes and reduce the health impacts on residents. The closure of schools highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle air pollution and safeguard the well-being of New Delhi”s population. This year”s smog has reached alarming levels, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene and rule that the burning must stop.
Climate change is profoundly affecting education around the world. From devastating fires and floods to extreme heat and smog, the increasing frequency and severity of these events underscore the urgent need for action. Schools, once safe havens of learning, are now on the front lines of climate change, facing closures and disruptions that hinder students” educational experiences.
As we confront these challenges, it’s clear that our responses must not only address the immediate damage but also focus on building resilience and adapting our systems to better withstand future climate shocks. By recognizing the deep connection between climate change and education, we can work towards solutions that safeguard both our environment and the future of our children. Human actions have altered the climate, but we also have the power to reverse these changes.
