Extreme weather conditions are going to have a drastic effect on the ability of young people to access quality education. In fact, it is already happening to Southeast Asia as highlighted by the Observer Research Foundation. The region is especially prone to extreme weather — affecting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 of inclusive and quality education.
How has education in Southeast Asia been impeded by extreme weather? The current winter season in North Vietnam has halted many students from going to school. The freezing temperatures have constrained children to their homes, making it difficult for them to carry on with their current syllabus. In the Philippines flooding is not uncommon. Flooding happens so frequently in Macabebe town, schools and classrooms are often destroyed and unsuitable for lessons.
Accessibility becomes an issue and the students’ safety is also compromised by the floods. In order to address this compounding crisis, schools should seek to integrate environmental education into their curriculums, prompting students to take action. In India, it recently transitioned to a more hands-on approach, simulating environmental concerns for students to tackle. Digital learning has also become an alternative to in person classes since the pandemic. Thus, increasing its availability will be key to addressing climate disruptions to education.
