Changing Climate in Pakistan and Its Growing Impact on Children’s Education

Pakistan is currently going through a clear phase of climate change. Rising temperatures, long and intense summers, and unpredictable and harsh winters are affecting daily life. While the effects of climate change on agriculture, health, and the economy are widely discussed, education—especially children’s education—is being severely affected. The most visible example of this change is the increase in summer and winter school holidays.
The major causes of climate change in Pakistan include global warming and environmental degradation. Increased greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and unplanned urban expansion have made weather conditions more extreme. Although Pakistan contributes little to global pollution, it is still among the countries most vulnerable to climate-related risks.
As a result, summers are starting earlier and lasting longer, while winters—once considered mild—have become harsher and more unpredictable. These changes are directly affecting the education system.
In the past, summer vacations in Pakistan followed an organized and predictable schedule. Although the weather was hot, schools remained open until the scheduled time, and the academic calendar was rarely disrupted.
Today, extreme heat and heatwaves have turned summer vacations from a routine break into an unavoidable necessity. Due to record-breaking temperatures and health risks, educational institutions are forced to close earlier or extend holidays. This situation is more severe in provinces like Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, where schools are often closed early to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
While these decisions are necessary for health reasons, they result in fewer teaching days and increased pressure to complete the syllabus.
In the past, winter vacations were limited and short, mostly confined to northern areas. In most parts of the country, winters were moderate, and educational activities continued as usual.
Now, winter vacations are also becoming longer and more widespread, even in areas that previously did not experience severe cold. Cold waves, fog, and smog—especially in urban areas—are causing school closures or changes in school timings. Issues that were once considered exceptional are now becoming routine.
The increase in both summer and winter vacations is seriously affecting children’s education. Educational continuity is disrupted, especially for younger children who rely heavily on a structured classroom environment. Long breaks weaken learning retention and make it difficult to complete the curriculum.
Children from low-income families are the most affected, as they often lack access to online education, private tutoring, or structured learning support at home. This raises the risk of widening educational inequality.
Teachers face increasing pressure to complete the syllabus in a shorter time, which affects the quality of education. Parents, especially working parents, struggle with childcare during sudden school closures, leading to increased mental and financial stress at the household level.
Adapting Pakistan’s education system to climatic realities has become unavoidable. Climate-resilient school buildings, flexible academic calendars, a blend of online and traditional learning, and emergency education planning are urgently needed. At the same time, serious national-level efforts for environmental protection and sustainable development are essential.
Climate change in Pakistan has transformed the concept of school vacations. Summer and winter holidays, which were once limited and well-organized, have now become longer and unpredictable. While these measures are necessary to protect children’s health, they pose a major challenge to educational continuity and equity. The solution lies not in temporary measures, but in long-term, climate-aware educational planning to secure the educational future of Pakistan’s children