UNICEF turns classroom into a greenhouse to show heat’s toll on learning

UNICEF has unveiled an immersive public installation in Brasília to highlight how extreme heat is disrupting children’s ability to learn. The Unlikely Greenhouse transforms a life-size classroom into a sweltering 38-degree environment, reflecting the temperatures many students endure during heat waves in tropical and low-income regions.

The initiative aims to make the impact of climate change on education tangible, prompting public debate and reinforcing the need for climate adaptation across school systems.

Installation exposes the learning conditions many children face

Located on the Esplanada dos Ministérios, the installation recreates the discomfort students and teachers experience as rising temperatures hinder concentration, reduce academic performance and affect physical and emotional well-being. The concept underscores that in many regions, classrooms increasingly resemble greenhouses rather than suitable learning spaces.

Mônica Dias Pinto, Head of Education, UNICEF Brazil: “Children are disproportionately vulnerable to climate-related crises, including stronger and more frequent heat waves, storms, droughts, and floods. Excessive heat reduces children’s ability to concentrate and prevents both students and teachers from engaging meaningfully in learning. In addition, many children cannot even reach school when roads are flooded, rivers dry out, or school buildings are damaged or repurposed as emergency shelters.”

“The purpose of this installation is to draw public attention to the urgent need for governments to adapt schools to current climate conditions, relocate institutions situated in high-risk areas, and develop solutions that ensure children can access education even during extreme climate events.”

Artplan brings climate data to life through experiential design
Children who visited the installation were invited to take part in educational activities about how climate change affects school life. The concept was created by Artplan for UNICEF and produced in partnership with audiovisual company Genco.

Pedro Rosas and Pedro Galdi, creative directors, Artplan: “Unlikely Greenhouse starts with a direct question: how can scientific data be transformed into an experience that generates instant understanding? Instead of relying solely on verbal communication, we proposed a tangible encounter, a classroom where people can physically feel the impact of a heat wave. This brings the issue closer to the public and helps build a debate grounded in evidence and real perception.”

Climate change already disrupting learning at global scale

UNICEF data shows a measurable decline in academic performance as temperatures rise. In 2024, climate-related events disrupted the education of at least 242 million students across 85 countries. Extreme heat was the leading cause of school closures that year, affecting more than 118 million students in April alone.

Research indicates that every 0.5-degree increase in classroom temperature can lower student performance by around 1 percent. At 35 degrees, students experience reduced productivity, increased fatigue and greater difficulty focusing compared with learning environments between 20 and 25 degrees.

Heat waves set to intensify without urgent adaptation

One in three children worldwide already experiences four to five heat waves annually. These conditions include temperatures above 35 degrees for more than 80 days a year, extended heat periods lasting at least five consecutive days, or temperature spikes two degrees above the local average for several weeks. Without intervention, by 2050 nearly every child on the planet will face recurring heat waves.

www.unicef.org

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