"Climate Change Exposes Schools' Lack of Preparedness for Extreme Weather"
School districts across the United States are facing challenges in preparing their facilities for climate change and natural disasters. As extreme weather events become more frequent, schools are experiencing disruptions to learning due to flooding, heatwaves, and hurricanes. Many districts have aging infrastructure that is ill-equipped to handle these climate-related challenges. Limited funding and bureaucratic obstacles further hinder their ability to make necessary adjustments. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Education provide funding for districts recovering from natural disasters, but many communities, particularly those with socially vulnerable populations, struggle to access insurance coverage and face higher costs for recovery. The need for mental health support and ensuring the safety of students and teachers also adds to the financial burden. Despite these challenges, some districts are taking steps to build more resilient schools, incorporating features like hardened cafeterias for shelter and bulletproof glass for security.
