1% fall in test scores for every 1 degree rise in temperature in US schools: UNESCO

India Today

6 days ago

A new UNESCO report has raised concern over the impact of climate change on student performance in the United States. In schools lacking air conditioning, a 1 degree Celsius increase in average annual temperature led to a 1 percent drop in test scores, the report said.This decline is especially worrying in the context of increasing heatwaves across the country.The global UNESCO study on education and climate change found that rising classroom temperatures are directly affecting academic outcomes, especially in schools without adequate infrastructure.advertisementRISING HEAT, FALLING SCORES
UNESCO's 'Education and Climate Change: Learning to Act for People and Planet' report pointed out that temperature rises during the school year has a measurable impact on student learning.'In the United States, without air conditioning, a school year hotter by 1 degrees Celsius reduced test scores by 1%,' the report noted.These effects are not evenly distributed. Students from vulnerable communities -- particularly African American and Hispanic groups -- are more likely to be affected.The report highlighted that poorer infrastructure in these communities makes it harder to cope with extreme heat.RACIAL INEQUALITY IN EDUCATIONAL IMPACTVery hot school days disproportionately impacted African American and Hispanic students, the report said. 'Poor infrastructure conditions [in schools] account for roughly 5 per cent of the racial achievement gap,' the report stated.This means that while climate change affects all students, it deepens existing racial inequalities in educational outcomes. With heat exposure adding to the systemic challenges already faced by these communities, the gap in performance continues to grow.AGING INFRASTRUCTURE IN NEED OF URGENT FIXESThe report also flagged outdated infrastructure as a major concern. 'About half of public school districts need to update or replace multiple heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems,' it said.Without significant investment in upgrading school facilities, especially in low-income areas, students will continue to face heat-related disruptions to learning. The absence of climate-resilient infrastructure places them at a long-term disadvantage.A CLIMATE CALL TO ACTIONThe UNESCO report makes it clear: rising classroom temperatures are more than just discomfort -- they are a barrier to learning. As climate events become more frequent and intense, the urgency to adapt school environments grows stronger.Investments in school infrastructure, particularly in marginalised communities, are not just about comfort -- they are critical for equity and educational success in a warming world.- Ends