GLOBAL EDUCATION MONITORING (GEM) REPORT 2024
The report is mandated by UNESCO’s ‘Education 2030 Incheon Declaration and Framework for Action’ to monitor and report on SDG 4 (Quality Education) and its integration with other SDGs.
Key Findings:
Disruption of Education Systems:
Schools were closed in at least 75% of extreme weather events over the past 20 years, affecting 5 million people or more.
In India, rainfall shocks during the first 15 years of life negatively impacted vocabulary at age five and mathematics & non-cognitive skills at age 15.
Education’s Role:
Underrepresented: The role of education in addressing climate change is underrepresented in international agendas, with only 2 out of 72 transnational climate initiatives addressing SDG 4.
Impact of Climate Change on Education:
Direct Effects:
Destruction of educational infrastructure.
Risks to students, parents, and school staff.
Indirect Effects:
Displacement: Forced relocation of communities affecting livelihoods and health.
Vulnerability:
Marginalized Groups: Greater impact on marginalized populations and low- or lower-middle-income countries.
Educational Outcomes:
Heat Exposure: Significant negative effects on children’s educational outcomes, including reduced test performance.
Key Recommendations:
Curriculum Integration: Integrate climate change education deeply into curricula across multiple subjects with adequate support for educators.
Infrastructure: Prioritize development of climate-resilient educational infrastructure.
Role in Mitigation: Recognize education’s role in developing solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Climate Finance: Include investment in education as part of climate finance programs.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with non-education stakeholders to ensure education is incorporated into climate plans and financing strategies.
The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024 highlights how climate change disrupts education systems, with significant impacts on infrastructure and learning outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. It calls for integrating climate change into curricula, prioritizing climate-resilient infrastructure, and recognizing education's role in climate solutions.
