Fast Facts
The Challenge
Climate emergencies such as heatwaves, cyclones, storms, floods, and droughts are worsening the global learning crisis. In 2024, over 242 million students faced school disruptions due to climate-related events. Education systems must become more resilient and inclusive to withstand these shocks.
To support learning continuity, it is crucial for education systems to be resilient and inclusive in the face of crises. At the same time, the role of technology in maintaining education during such disruptions is still underexplored, highlighting the need for new evidence.
Our Role
EdTech for climate resilience looks at the use of technology to increase education system resilience during climate disruptions in low- and middle-income countries is a nascent area of research: there is not yet a critical mass of evidence to guide decision-makers, this is where EdTech Hub comes in, to help bridge the evidence gap.
Activities
EdTech Hub has contributed evidence to address gaps related to climate-related events, and our current work includes:
- Producing a practical brief with recommendations, building on the Hub’s previous research around the feasibility of using technology to support learning continuity in response to the Pakistan floods in 2022.
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Primary implementation research on the use of technology in climate-impacted contexts. Findings will be shared through technical working papers. Studies include:
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Bangladesh: Socio-emotional learning for caregivers and parents.
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Kenya: Technology’s role in supporting caregivers in education.
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Tanzania: A school-based flood early warning system.
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About EdTech for Climate Resilience
As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, education systems are under growing pressure. While technology is often used to address the broader effects of climate emergencies, there is little evidence on how it can directly support learning continuity and preparedness. This gap makes it harder to integrate EdTech into crisis response efforts. EdTech Hub is working to change that by exploring how technology solutions, initially developed for other emergencies or low- and middle-income countries more generally, can be adapted to keep students learning in climate-affected communities. Our work with partners will include designing and testing technology-enabled preparedness solutions within schools and ministries of education.
EdTech Hub’s Work
There is still much to learn about how technology can support learning when climate emergencies disrupt education, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Yet Ministries of Education globally are demanding evidence-based solutions to inform their policies and programming.
With climate-related emergencies on the rise, building a stronger research foundation is critical to guiding effective responses, informing climate emergency preparedness and supporting learning continuity is critical.
Our climate resilience work will focus on understanding how EdTech can be adapted to meet the unique needs of climate-affected communities. We will explore practical, evidence-based solutions to strengthen education systems in times of crisis. This includes improving education in emergencies, advancing climate-smart infrastructure, supporting teachers, and engaging communities. By generating clear, actionable insights, we aim to help decision-makers integrate technology into education responses, making learning more resilient and inclusive.
When considering education in a climate emergency, alternative modalities should only be introduced if they, 1) help teachers bring quality delivery to scale, and 2) do not overburden communities. But given education in climate emergencies remains an area of ‘non-knowledge’, we need to work together — the government, development partners, researchers, and communities alike — to respond now and to build back better for any future emergency.”
– Haani Mazari, Asia Regional Lead, EdTech Hub
Considering EdTech in Climate Emergencies
Exploring the importance of utilising existing and most accessible technologies to ensure learning continuity.
Insights and Evidence
EdTech for Education in Emergencies: A Rapid Evidence Review
This Rapid Evidence Review (RER) provides a synthesis of recent evidence relating to the implementation of EdTech programmes, platforms, and devices in emergency contexts. The main aim of the review is to provide education decision-makers, funders, and implementers (among others) with a clear picture of ‘what works’ regarding EdTech in emergencies.
All Resources on EdTech for Climate Resilience
Frequently Asked Questions on EdTech for Climate Resilience
How does climate change affect education?
Climate emergencies such as floods, droughts, and storms disrupt schooling for millions of children each year. Damaged infrastructure, unsafe conditions, and displacement make it harder for students to continue learning.
Can technology help keep education going during climate crises?
We believe so, yes, but there is limited evidence on what works best. Technology has been used to support learning in other emergencies, like Covid-19, but more research is needed to adapt these solutions for climate-affected communities. That’s where EdTech Hub comes in, to help fill the evidence gaps, see all our evidence on EdTech for Climate Resilience.
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