How Climate Change is Impacting Children’s Education in Brazil

Education is one of the services most frequently disrupted by extreme weather events. In 2024, more than 1.1 million Brazilian students had their school activities affected by climate-related disasters, with floods being the leading cause of school closures. The country’s education system is not equipped to handle the challenges posed by the climate crisis, and financial investments to mitigate these impacts remain critically low. Moreover, the federal government has reduced funding for disaster risk management and prevention, further increasing the vulnerability of schools and communities.

The Impact of Climate Change on Education in Brazil

The UNICEF report “Learning Disrupted: A Global Picture of Climate-Related School Interruptions“, published in January, revealed that 1,178,435 Brazilian students had their classes interrupted due to climate-related disasters. The main causes were:

• Floods, particularly in southern Brazil.
• Heatwaves, making classrooms unbearable.
• Droughts, affecting schools in the northern regions.

The report warns that the education system is unprepared for these challenges and that financial investments remain insufficient.

What Do Our Ambassadors Say?

On the hottest days, the effects of extreme heat on learning become clear. We asked our Climate Justice Ambassadors, children aged 9 to 11, how they and their classmates felt in school under such conditions. Their responses highlight the direct impact of high temperatures on academic performance:

“They get really tired. When they try to do their schoolwork, it’s too hot, and they can’t write much. They have to ask the teacher: ‘Can I go to the bathroom? It feels cooler in there.’” – Marlon, PE

Intense heat also affects concentration and physical well-being:
“We get all sweaty, and the headache is unbearable, so we can’t focus on the questions.” – João Carlos, PE

Some students had to take their lessons outside to escape the heat:
“Some days were so hot we had to do our assignments outside.” – Helena, PE

Another student shared how heat impacts his emotions:
“When it’s hot, I get nervous, and I can’t focus on my schoolwork.” – Abraão, PE

These testimonies reinforce the urgent need to adapt schools to increasingly extreme climate conditions to ensure that learning is not compromised.

Inadequate School Infrastructure

According to the 2024 study “Access to Green Spaces and Climate Resilience in Schools in Brazilian Capitals“, by MapBiomas and Instituto Alana:

• 64% of schools are located in areas where temperatures are at least 1°C above the urban average.
• 52.4% of schools in favelas have no green areas, worsening the impact of extreme heat.

Heatwaves in Rio Grande do Sul

The state of Rio Grande do Sul is already facing severe consequences from heatwaves, which affect quality of life, public health, and infrastructure. Recent data shows:

• Record-breaking temperatures have been recorded since January 2025, surpassing 40ºC in many parts of southern Brazil.
• Rising temperatures have significantly impacted public health, leading to dehydration and an increase in respiratory illnesses.
• Due to inadequate school infrastructure, many institutions were forced to cancel classes because of excessive heat: the start of the school year was postponed in 2,320 state schools, affecting around 700,000 students.

City councilor Cris Moraes, who was presiding over the Canoas City Council while we carried out over 20 activities in the city, commented:
“This is an unprecedented situation. We’ve had school closures due to floods and storms, but extreme heat as the main reason for delaying classes is something new. This highlights how climate change is accelerating and bringing unexpected challenges to society.”

Solutions for a More Resilient Education System

The “Learning Disrupted“ report suggests the following solutions:

1. Safe and Climate-Resilient School Infrastructure
   • Building schools that can withstand floods and heatwaves.
   • Installing natural ventilation systems and shading.
2. Remote Learning Alternatives
   • Implementing digital platforms to continue education during climate crises.
3. Teacher Training and Climate Education
   • Incorporating climate change education into school curricula.
   • Training teachers to respond effectively to climate emergencies.

Preparing Children and Youth for the Challenges Ahead

In the face of the climate crisis, simply reacting to disasters is not enough—we must prepare future generations to navigate this new reality. Climate education plays a crucial role in this process.

At Plant-for-the-Planet, our Academies empower children and young people to understand the impacts of climate change and become agents of transformation.

Through these Academies, children plant trees and engage in discussions about the climate crisis, both inside and outside the classroom. They don’t just learn about the problem—they become part of the solution. By integrating climate education into school curricula, we ensure that this issue remains a priority, rather than a topic that fades from discussion after each disaster.

As Maria Lucia Larroza, our volunteer in Canoas/RS, rightly said:
“People only talk about solutions after each disaster, but then quickly forget. We need continuous planning to protect the right to education and ensure a safe future for our children.”

The climate crisis is already disrupting education in Brazil, but together, we can change this reality. By empowering children and youth, investing in nature-based solutions, and demanding effective public policies, we can ensure a fairer, more sustainable future for the next generations.