In the Eye of the Storm

How Climate Change is Disrupting Schools in Pakistan

Climate change is no longer just a looming threat; it has become an undeniable crisis that is wreaking havoc on education in Pakistan. As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, Pakistan's schools, students, and teachers are bearing the brunt of extreme weather events—ranging from devastating floods to scorching heatwaves.

With over 70% of the population lacking basic knowledge about climate change, many communities are left defenseless against its mounting impact. 

The education of millions of children hangs in the balance as school infrastructure crumbles, classrooms remain empty, and learning losses grow deeper. This post marks the beginning of an urgent call to action to protect Pakistan’s future through education—before it’s too late.

---

The Impact of Climate Change on Education in Pakistan

FIDA HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images

1. School Infrastructure and Disruptions

One of the most visible effects of climate change is the physical damage to school infrastructure. Extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and storms have destroyed thousands of schools across Pakistan. The 2022 floods alone caused the destruction of nearly 27,000 government schools, disrupting education for more than 2 million children. Stories like that of a student in Chitral, whose school was demolished by floods, echo across many regions. These disasters not only damage physical structures but also cause long-term disruptions in education, with many children forced to relocate multiple times.

According to ASER 2023, government schools are more affected (33%) than private schools (15%), emphasizing the vulnerability of public education in resource-strapped regions. Reconstruction efforts are often slow, uneven, and poorly funded, making it difficult to restore normalcy. For example, while schools in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have received relatively high levels of rehabilitation assistance, Sindh has lagged behind, leading to a widening educational gap.

2. Displacement and Migration

Natural disasters like floods and droughts often force families to migrate, leading to school dropouts and educational disruptions.

 In areas like Kashmir, 34% of households report that their children’s education was severely affected by natural disasters. Similar trends are observed in Sindh and Balochistan, where 43% and 36% of households, respectively, report education disruptions. 

Migrant families often struggle to enroll their children in new schools, leading to long-term educational setbacks, especially for marginalized communities.

3. Worsening Learning Losses

The education system in Pakistan has already been strained by other crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to school closures from March 2020 to March 2022. Climate change has further accelerated learning losses. The International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) 2024 report highlighted that in flood-affected districts like Dadu, Badin, Umerkot, and Sanghar in Sindh, students faced severe learning losses post-pandemic and floods. These setbacks, compounded by inadequate school preparedness for disasters, have made it harder for children to recover their learning levels.

4. Psychological and Mental Health Impact

Climate disasters not only damage infrastructure but also take a toll on the mental well-being of students and teachers. The trauma of losing homes, schools, and loved ones can hinder students' ability to focus and perform academically. In provinces such as Balochistan, where 38% of households were significantly affected by disasters, psychological distress is prevalent. ASER 2023 highlights that a substantial number of families reported negative effects on their mental health, with students and teachers facing the brunt of these challenges. Addressing the mental health impact of climate change is crucial for building resilience among students and ensuring they can continue learning effectively.

5. Economic Burden on Families

Climate disasters also impose significant economic burdens on families, reducing their ability to support their children’s education.

In the Punjab province, 23% of households reported losing more than half of their income due to natural disasters

The financial strain forces families to deprioritize education, especially for girls. When families are pushed further into poverty, children are more likely to drop out of school to contribute to household income or manage other survival needs.

---

The clock is ticking for Pakistan’s education system as climate change intensifies.

Every flood that washes away a school, every heatwave that keeps children home, and every disaster that disrupts learning brings us closer to an irreversible crisis. 

We cannot afford to lose another generation to the climate emergency. The time to act is now—before more schools are lost, before more children drop out, and before education in Pakistan becomes yet another casualty of climate change. It is imperative that we demand climate-resilient infrastructure, incorporate climate education into curricula, and provide mental health support to those reeling from climate disasters.

Our students deserve more than survival—they deserve a future.

The choices we make today will determine whether they have one.