Preparing for El Niño: Keeping teachers and learners safe during natural and climate-induced hazards
The Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) and Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES) held a webinar on preparing education systems for natural and climate-induced hazards related to this year’s El Niño weather system.
El Niño and La Niña are climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean that affect weather worldwide. They can both have global impacts on weather, wildfires, ecosystems, and economies. This year’s El Niño is expected to be moderate to severe, with far‑reaching implications for education systems across affected regions.
The emerging El Niño forecast offers the education sector something it rarely has: lead time. Forecasts issued months in advance mean that preparedness, not only response, is genuinely possible if stakeholders act early. In response, this event brought together practitioners, policymakers and partners to anticipate impacts and to exchange practical strategies for safeguarding learning continuity, protecting teachers and learners, and ensuring equitable access to education. Following brief expert presentations, participants shared their own experiences, challenges and preparedness plans to strengthen collective readiness.
Event Objectives
- Understand projected climate impacts of this year’s possible strong El Niño, with focus on schools, learners, infrastructure, and education services.
- Highlight priority risks and vulnerabilities that require early action within education systems.
- Discuss preparedness measures and share existing resources available
- Strengthen collaboration among education stakeholders to ensure a more resilient and responsive sector.
For a list of resources to help schools prepare, respond and recover from El Niño, please visit this webpage or this resource list.