Extreme heat is a major barrier to education in Argentina. Recently, schools and universities have closed during the hottest days, leaving over 30 million students without safe places to learn. The absence of air conditioning, poor ventilation, and old buildings have made classrooms uncomfortable for teaching and learning.

A Climate Crisis Meets Governance Reform

In response, Argentina has adopted a multi-tiered governance approach to tackle the crisis. The new strategy integrates heatwave response into broader climate adaptation and disaster risk management frameworks. Key elements include:

• Early Warning Systems: Enhanced meteorological forecasting to alert communities and institutions ahead of extreme heat events.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Retrofitting schools with heat-resilient designs, including improved insulation, solar shading, and energy-efficient cooling systems.
• Policy Coordination: Cross-sector collaboration between education, health, and urban planning ministries to ensure cohesive action.
• Community Engagement: Public awareness campaigns and local training programs to help families and educators respond effectively to heat emergencies.

Classrooms for a Hotter Future

One of the most ambitious components of the strategy is the nationwide classroom redesign initiative. Pilot projects in provinces like Córdoba and Santa Fe have introduced passive cooling techniques, green roofs, and solar-powered ventilation systems. These redesigned spaces not only reduce indoor temperatures but also cut energy costs and carbon emissions.

The initiative has already shown green roofs and solar-powered ventilation systems. These redesigned spaces not only reduce indoor temperatures but also cut energy costs and carbon emissions.

The initiative has shown good results, with some schools reporting temperature drops of up to 8°C during hot hours. Students and teachers have praised the changes, noting increased comfort, focus, and attendance.

A Model for Climate-Resilient Education

Argentina’s heatwave management strategy shows a major shift in tackling climate-related education disruptions and sets a model for other countries by making learning environments more resilient.

As global temperatures continue to rise, Argentina’s proactive stance serves as a blueprint for climate-smart education systems worldwide.

Argentina has adopted several governance structures to tackle the impacts of extreme heat, focusing on integrating efforts into broader climate adaptation and disaster management frameworks.

Extreme heat and high temperatures are perennial problems in Argentina, where schools and colleges shut down due to extreme temperatures.

Related Links

Running dry – Study warns of extreme water scarcity in the coming decades – UNDPR Prevention Web