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Too hot to learn: Why school heat is a growing problem

3 September 2025 News
Katharine Sanderson

Photo credit: iStock.com/ugurhan

As heatwaves intensify with climate change, schools around the world—including in the UK, US, Nepal and other low- and middle-income countries—are struggling to keep classrooms cool and safe. Research shows that every small rise in indoor temperature can significantly reduce learning outcomes. Schools often lack policies or infrastructure to address this growing challenge, and turning on air-conditioning may help short-term but poses environmental and cost dilemmas in the long run.