Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
In 2025, an estimated 171 million students worldwide had their education disrupted by climate hazards, representing about one in ten students from pre-school to high school, according to a UNICEF report. Storms were the leading cause, affecting 109 million students, followed by floods and heatwaves. These events resulted in class suspensions, damaged schools, shifts to remote learning, shortened instruction times, reduced attendance, and increased dropout risks for millions.
The impact was most severe in low and lower-middle-income countries, which account for three-quarters of those affected. Education systems in these regions often lack resources to maintain learning during climate emergencies. For example, severe monsoon floods in Pakistan delayed school reopening for over 28 million students, marking one of the largest climate-related education disruptions in 2025. Similarly, a wind and dust storm in Egypt led to nationwide class suspensions for more than 28 million students.
Girls are particularly vulnerable to dropout when schools are disrupted. Damaged sanitation facilities and displaced families can force girls to take on additional caregiving and water collection tasks. These pressures may increase the risk of child marriage, complicating girls' return to education once schools reopen.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that climate hazards not only disrupt lessons but also damage schools, displace families, and push vulnerable children, especially girls, out of classrooms. The report estimates that students affected by these disruptions could face at least $200 billion less in lifetime earnings unless action is taken.