The World Bank has issued an urgent call to action as climate-related issues, particularly flooding, have forced 404 million students out of school globally between January 2022 and June 2024.
In a report titled “Choosing Our Future: Education for Climate Action,” the World Bank revealed that at least 81 countries, including Nigeria, have temporarily closed schools due to floods, storms, and heatwaves.
“Education can propel climate action but at the same time, climate change is impeding education,” the report states.
It highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, emphasizing their disruptive impact on education.
The report’s findings come as Nigeria grapples with severe flooding.
In Maiduguri, Borno State, the overflow of the Alau Dam has displaced nearly two million people, underscoring the immediate relevance of the World Bank’s concerns.
According to the report, climate-related school closures have affected an average of 11 instructional days per year globally.
However, the impact is disproportionate, with low-income countries losing about 18 days annually compared to only 2.4 days in high-income nations.
The World Bank emphasizes the critical role of education in climate action. “Education is the greatest predictor of climate-friendly behavior,” the report notes, adding that “an additional year of education increases climate awareness by 8.6 per cent.”
Despite its importance, education remains overlooked in climate financing.
The report suggests that for less than $20 per student, schools can adapt and minimize learning losses. It outlines adaptation packages ranging from $18.51 to $101.97 per student, depending on the level of intervention.
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“Governments must act now to adapt education systems for climate change,” the World Bank urges.
The report recommends improving foundational and STEM skills, mainstreaming climate education, and building teacher capacity.
In Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics reports that students in some regions missed 53 school days due to flooding between July and October 2022, affecting approximately 1.3 million Nigerians.
