Global heatwaves force schools to shut down, exacerbating educational disparities

As temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius in Dhaka, Bangladesh, students like Hena Khan are struggling to focus on their studies. With more than 40 million students affected by school closures due to heat waves in Asia and North Africa, the impact on education is becoming increasingly concerning.

The burning of fossil fuels is contributing to the warming climate, leading to longer and more intense heat waves. Government authorities and public health experts are faced with the dilemma of whether to keep students in hot classrooms or encourage them to stay home and stay cool.

The consequences of either decision are significant. While keeping students in school during extreme heat can lead to health risks, closing schools can disrupt learning and exacerbate educational disparities. In developing countries, where a large proportion of children are already out of school, the impact of heat-related closures is particularly severe.

Research shows that high temperatures can impair cognitive function, affecting students’ ability to learn and retain information. In countries without adequate cooling systems in schools, the impact of heat on education is even more pronounced.

As the world continues to warm, the learning gaps between hot and cool countries are expected to widen. Children in tropical regions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat on education, with long-term consequences for their academic achievement and future opportunities.

In Bangladesh, where temperatures have reached dangerous levels, authorities are grappling with the decision to keep schools open or closed. The impact of prolonged school closures on vulnerable children, including increased risk of child labor and child marriage, is a growing concern.

As the heat wave continues to grip the region, the education sector faces challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of students while maintaining academic progress. The decisions made now will have far-reaching implications for the future of education in the face of climate change.