Extreme weather events, including dense fog in winter and blistering summer heat, are disrupting education in Pakistan, leading to frequent school closures and negatively impacting students’ learning experiences. The unpredictability of climate patterns has forced education ministries to adjust school schedules to safeguard students‘ well-being.
In cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, dense fog led to school closures last winter. Additionally, smog in Punjab caused respiratory and eye-related health issues, particularly among children from low-income families. Heatwaves further compounded challenges, with rising temperatures exposing vulnerable students to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heatstroke.
The Ministry of Climate Change has warned of escalating heatwave intensity, citing Pakistan’s record-breaking temperatures in recent years. Cities like Jacobabad have experienced extreme conditions, with temperatures surpassing 50°C in both 2021 and 2022. Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Saleem emphasized a coordinated approach to mitigate these impacts, urging federal, provincial, and local departments to enhance climate resilience and protect communities.
Nasreen Shah, a senior educationist, highlighted the effects of extreme weather on students’ ability to concentrate, especially during heatwaves. Overcrowded classrooms and inadequate ventilation exacerbate discomfort and health risks, while packed buses during peak summer months further expose children to unsafe conditions. Shah advocated for strategies to ensure safe, uninterrupted learning, prioritizing students’ health above all else.
The devastating floods of 2022 serve as a stark example of climate change’s toll on education. These floods destroyed over 26,000 schools, disrupting education for three million children. Child rights campaigner Bushra Iqbal Hussain stressed the long-term consequences of such events, including increased school dropout rates and reduced learning outcomes. She urged policymakers to prioritize children’s resilience and implement measures to safeguard their education amid climate challenges.
Health experts recommend proactive measures to address heat-related illnesses. Dr. Ghulam Fareed, a family physician, advises immediate medical attention for symptoms like high body temperature, rapid pulse, headaches, or dizziness. Preventive steps include keeping children hydrated and avoiding exposure to extreme heat during peak hours.
To mitigate these challenges, Pakistan must adopt sustainable solutions to protect its education sector. Enhancing school infrastructure, implementing disaster-resilient policies, and fostering collaboration across governmental and non-governmental entities are vital steps toward building a secure and adaptable education system. Addressing these climate-induced challenges is essential to ensuring that students not only survive but thrive in the face of an uncertain environmental future.
