A heat wave in southern Brazil has compelled five cities, all in Rio Grande do Sul, to suspend classes due to extreme temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius. A national weather warning has been issued, highlighting the increasing trend of school closures due to climate issues. Research indicates that these closures may become the norm as heat waves become more frequent.
Authorities in southern Brazil announced that classes were suspended on Thursday in five cities due to a significant heat wave, with temperatures soaring to 36 degrees Celsius in some areas. This decision primarily affects schools in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the local government noted that the facilities lack sufficient measures to address such extreme heat conditions. Classes are anticipated to resume on Monday.
The National Institute of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning across Rio Grande do Sul and four other Brazilian states, which are experiencing temperatures exceeding the monthly average by up to 5 degrees Celsius. Last year, extreme weather affected around 1.17 million children in Brazil, primarily due to floods and droughts, with Rio Grande do Sul being the most impacted region. More than 740,000 children missed classes during severe floods in May 2024.
Daniel Cara, an education policy researcher at the University of Sao Paulo, highlighted the historical challenges schools have faced during drought season, often shutting down due to wildfire risks or water shortages. However, he noted the increasing trend of school closures due to high temperatures and inadequate air conditioning. He stated, “This is going to be the new normal. Climate issues have always put pressure on the school calendar. Now, the new factor is that heat waves and the lack of air conditioning will make class cancellations a regular occurrence.”
During this summer, Brazil has faced extreme heat waves, notably with Rio de Janeiro recording the highest temperature in a decade at 44 degrees Celsius in February.
The suspension of classes in five cities in southern Brazil due to unprecedented heat illustrates the growing impact of climate change on education systems. With extreme temperatures becoming common, schools must adapt to ensure student safety. Educational institutions will likely continue to face challenges from climate-related events, necessitating urgent discussions around infrastructure improvements such as air conditioning to mitigate future disruptions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
