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Study Links Climate Change to Children's Learning Decline

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

A new study indicates climate change may hinder children's intellectual development.
Children exposed to average temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit are 5% to nearly 7% less likely to meet key literacy and math milestones.
The study analyzed data from over 19,600 children in Gambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Georgia, and Palestine.
Lead researcher Jorge Cuartas called for further research to understand these impacts and develop effective interventions.

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Story summary

A new study indicates climate change may hinder children's intellectual development.
Children exposed to average temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit are 5% to nearly 7% less likely to meet key literacy and math milestones.
The study analyzed data from over 19,600 children in Gambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Georgia, and Palestine.
Lead researcher Jorge Cuartas called for further research to understand these impacts and develop effective interventions.