India, April 29 -- Climate-related disasters have significantly disrupted education systems across Eastern and Southern Africa, affecting millions of children and creating long-term economic and social consequences.

According to a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and global consulting firm Dalberg, 130 million children at preprimary, primary, and secondary levels experienced interruptions to their education between 2005 and 2024. These disruptions are projected to result in losses of future earnings ranging from US$120 billion to $140 billion. The scale of the problem is expected to grow even further if urgent action is not taken.

These impacts are expected to persist and compound over time. Without strengthened act...