Climate disruptions keep 171 million students out of school in 2025

Climate-driven disruptions kept approximately 171 million students from attending school during 2025, underscoring the growing threat that environmental hazards pose to global education systems, according to findings released by UNICEF.

The figures represent roughly one in ten students worldwide, with the organization noting that the impacts of climate hazards—including extreme weather events, flooding, and drought—have become significant barriers to regular school attendance across multiple regions.

Girls have been particularly affected by climate-related school closures and disruptions, facing compounded challenges that limit their educational opportunities. The disparity highlights how climate impacts intersect with existing gender inequalities in access to education, UNICEF indicated.

The data underscores broader concerns about how climate change threatens educational continuity and student learning outcomes globally. Experts warn that prolonged school disruptions risk deepening educational gaps, particularly in vulnerable regions already struggling with limited resources and infrastructure resilience.

The findings come as countries and international organizations intensify efforts to strengthen climate adaptation measures in educational settings and build more resilient school systems capable of withstanding environmental hazards.