School in hot world: what research is saying about children’s health, learning

Researchers at the South African Medical Research Council and the University of Johannesburg have found that rising temperatures are turning classrooms in southern Africa into dangerously hot environments for children. Their studies in Gauteng province show that over half of temperature and humidity readings in schools exceeded safe limits, with nearly all children in Johannesburg reporting low concentration levels in overheated classrooms. Temperatures above 25°C have also been linked to increased absenteeism, while poor ventilation and overcrowding exacerbate the risks to physical and mental health. The findings highlight disparities between urban and rural schools, with urban classrooms better able to maintain temperatures between 25°C and 28°C compared to rural settings. Children in low-cost and informally constructed homes face additional risks, as indoor temperatures often become extreme. The research underscores that climate change is already impacting children’s ability to learn, with hot classrooms impairing concentration, memory, and academic success. Studies show that extreme heat affects cognitive function, leading to poorer test scores, reduced attention spans, and lower productivity among students. Teachers also experience fatigue and reduced effectiveness in overheated conditions. Young children are particularly vulnerable, as their developing brains struggle to adapt to high temperatures. The research calls for urgent action to adapt school buildings and playgrounds to protect children from extreme heat. Currently, most infrastructure is not designed to mitigate rising temperatures, leaving many children exposed to unsafe conditions. The findings suggest that education systems in southern Africa must prioritize climate resilience to ensure children can thrive in a hotter future.