As climate change intensifies, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent, posing significant risks to children’s health and education. Schools and child care centers, often lacking adequate cooling systems, are ill-prepared to handle soaring temperatures, leading to discomfort and potential health issues for young learners.
Extreme Heat in Schools and Its Impact on Children’s Health
Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Their bodies generate more heat during physical activity and cool down less efficiently than adults. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, unconsciousness. Health Canada advises caregivers to be vigilant during heat events, especially for children under five.
Heat Stress in Classrooms: How Infrastructure Fails Kids
Many school facilities in Canada are outdated and lack adequate cooling systems. In Toronto, for example, the average public school is over 60 years old, and fewer than one-third are equipped with central air conditioning. High indoor temperatures can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and reduced academic performance, especially during summer months.
Addressing Inequities: First Nations and Overheating in Schools
Indigenous communities often face the harshest impacts of extreme heat due to underfunded infrastructure. According to the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), schools in First Nations communities are more likely to lack air conditioning, proper ventilation, and green outdoor areas. These disparities increase health risks and deepen systemic inequities.
Sustainable Solutions to Combat Extreme Heat in Schools
The Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment (CPCHE) and CELA recommend a comprehensive, equity-focused plan to address rising temperatures in learning spaces:
- Set a Maximum Indoor Temperature: Establish a legal threshold of 26°C to ensure classroom safety.
- Upgrade HVAC Systems: Install energy-efficient air conditioning and ventilation systems in all schools and child care facilities.
- Retrofit Old Buildings: Improve insulation, roofing, and window design to reduce heat retention.
- Plant More Trees and Natural Shade: Boost green coverage around schools to reduce outdoor heat exposure.
- Track Indoor Heat and Health Data: Collect information on classroom temperature and related health incidents to guide interventions.
Building Climate-Ready Schools for a Safer Future
Combating extreme heat in schools requires immediate, coordinated action from all levels of government. Without intervention, climate-driven heatwaves will continue to threaten children’s physical health and academic outcomes. Prioritizing resilient infrastructure and heat mitigation strategies is not just practical—it’s a matter of protecting children’s rights and futures.
To learn more, visit Healthy Environments for Learning Day.
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