In recent decades, the world has experienced a drastic increase in extreme temperature events. Between 1980 and 1999, there were an average of seven per year. This more than tripled during the first two decades of this century. Children born in 2020 might face twice as many wildfires and almost seven times more heatwaves in their lifetime than those born in the 1960s. However, if we can limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, these children could see a 45% decrease in heatwaves and a 10% drop in wildfires.
Extreme weather not only poses immediate threats but also disrupts educational processes. Factors like poor air quality from pollution and wildfires can lead to health issues, driving up school absences. Moreover, extreme weather can damage school infrastructure or even force schools to shut down due to unbearable heat or polluted air. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown that unplanned school closures can significantly delay students’ academic growth.
Extreme weather can indirectly affect students’ learning capabilities. For instance, the OECD’s 2023 Skills Outlook reveals that if students face ten additional school days with temperatures above 26.7°C in the years leading up to a test, their performance suffers. Furthermore, taking high-stakes tests in high pollution conditions can result in lower results. Skills that require intensive cognitive processing, analytical problem-solving, and are dependent on working memory such as maths, are especially vulnerable.
The education sector must adapt. Short-term solutions include enhancing air filtration systems, ensuring students are shielded from pollutants during extensive wildfire seasons, and reducing the likelihood of school closures. While air conditioning can help manage classroom temperatures, its use may worsen climate change.
