CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Background of the Study

The climate change is a global emergency that has far-reaching implications for all aspects of

human life, including education. According to UNICEF, 242 million students in 85 countries or territories

had their schooling disrupted by extreme climate events including heatwaves, tropical cyclones, storms,

floods and droughts in 2024, exacerbating an existing learning crisis. The effects of extreme weather

events, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity are disrupting school attendance, impacting student well-

being, and jeopardizing educational opportunities, particularly in vulnerable communities. Education

needs to be protected from climate change. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of

extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, droughts, heatwaves and wildfires as well as the

probability of co-occurring events. These extreme weather events are increasingly disrupting schooling;

precipitating learning losses, dropouts, and long-term impacts. The education of 75 million children is

estimated to have been disrupted by conflict and natural disasters, Sergio Venegas Marin et al. (2024).

This research investigates the multifaceted impacts of climate change on school achievements of Grade 11

students at Viga Rural Development High School. The study aims to identify specific challenges faced by

schools and students in Viga Rural Development High School, highlighting the need for tailored

interventions and adaptation strategies to ensure educational continuity and improve learning outcomes.

Climate change significantly impacts students by disrupting their education through extreme

weather events, heat stress, and mental health challenges, exacerbating inequalities and hindering their

long-term well-being and opportunities. According to UNICEF, Over 107 million children are already

out of school, climate-related disruptions in 2024 have put an additional 20 million children at risk of

dropping out. Students experience the direct impact of climate change, such as rising temperatures and

extreme weather events, which disrupt school days and cause them to miss class (Hussaini, 2023).
Education is at the core of our ability to adapt and respond to the challenges imposed by global warmings,

such as food insecurity, the rise of sea level, droughts, extreme weather events, and more, most of which

disproportionately affect developing world regions (Unfccc, 2007). Not only does climate change have an

impact on the environment, but it can also have a negative effect on educational systems, from curriculum

changes to increased disruption in school buildings (Hussaini, 2023). Extreme heat is also linked to an

increase in mental health problems in children and adolescents (UNICEF).

Climate change significantly impacts students in the Philippines in various ways, affecting their

education, health, and well-being. In response to the urgency for action on climate change, the Philippines

passed Republic Act 9729, also known as the Climate Change Act of 2009, anchored on the constitutional

provision which states that it is the policy of the State to afford full protection and the advancement of the

right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology to fulfill human needs while maintaining the

quality of the natural environment for current and future generations. Young people living in the

Philippines are among those most at risk of the impacts of climate change, threatening their health,

education, and protection (UNICEF, 2020). In the Philippines, an unprecedented heat wave during the

summer months last year forced the closure of schools to spare students from heat-related illnesses (The

Manila Times).

The province of Catanduanes in the Philippines, known for its stunning landscapes and strong

spirit, is grappling with the tough challenges posed by climate change. Increasingly frequent typhoons,

severe flooding, and erratic weather patterns are disrupting everyday life and affecting students' education.

In Catanduanes, where PAGASA Virac Synoptic Station has recorded four days with heat index of 42º

Celsius and above, the heat-related death of a nursing student at the Catanduanes State University has

reportedly prompted the administration to consider online, instead of face-to-face, classes (Catanduanes

Tribune, 2023). Juan Pantino Jr., chief of Pagasa in Catanduanes, said this extreme temperature may cause

heat cramps, stroke, and chronic diseases, especially after continued exposure to the sun (Inquirer.Net,

2024). Eleven out of 16 municipalities of Catanduanes were severely affected by Pepito. Damages to
houses, government buildings, schools, and other infrastructure were reported (PCO.Gov.Ph, 2024).

Children are experiencing hunger and distress, missing out on classes a week after the world’s most

powerful typhoon hit the coastal and poverty-stricken provinces of Bicol specifically Catanduanes and

Camarines Sur. Based on initial assessment, Save the Children identified immediate needs of children and

their families that include clean drinking water, food security and livelihood, as well as learning and

teaching materials of children and teachers which were damaged by the typhoon (Save the Children) .

Due to the continuous change in weather in Viga, Catanduanes, many students are being affected.

The municipality's experience of continuous light to moderate, and sometimes heavy, rains due to the

shear line has a profound impact on students. This study aims to investigate the effect of climate change

on the motivation an of grade 11 students at Viga Rural Development High School. According to the

various studies and reports, Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme

weather events, which can disrupt education and impact students' well-being (IPCC Report, 2018).

Climate change is affecting the education of millions of children worldwide, with many schools forced to

close due to extreme weather events (UNICEF, 2019). Climate change is a significant source of stress and

anxiety for children and adolescents, which can impact their mental health and academic motivation

(American Psychological Association, 2020). Overall, the effects of climate change on students' school

motivation are far-reaching and can have significant consequences for their academic success and overall

well-being.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This research aims to investigate how climate change is affecting the school motivation of Grade

11 students at Viga Rural Development High School.

Specifically, this study will explore:

1. How do climate-related disruptions (e.g., typhoons, floods, droughts) affect the school achievements of

Grade 11 students at Viga Rural Development High School?

2. To what extent does climate change (e.g., extreme weather events, rising temperatures, sea-level rise)

impact the school motivation or achievements of Grade 11 students at Viga Rural Development High

School?

3. How do Grade 11 students at Viga Rural Development High School perceive the impact of climate

change on their school achievements or performance?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to identify the effects of climate change in school motivation of Grade 11 students

at Viga Rural Development High School.

The result of the study will give advantage to the following:

Grade 11 students at Viga Rural Development High School - This study directly benefits the students

themselves by shedding lights on their experiences and potentially leading to intervensions that improve

their learning environment and support their motivation.

Researchers -This study will help the researchers gain academic and professional development expand

their knowledge and expertise, contribute to the field of climate change and education and experience the

satisfaction of addressing a critical issue.

strategies to address climate change impacts in education at the school and potentially in other at the

school and potentially in other vulnerable communities.

Parents and Families - The research can provide valuable information for parents and families about the

challenges their children face due to climate change. This knowledge can help them better support their

children's education and mental well-being.

School – The study aims to provide the school with valuable insights that can inform interventions and

strategies to support students amidst the challenges of climate change. This includes understanding student

needs, and building resilience and empower students to participate in finding solutions.

Future Researchers – This research serves as a foundation for future research in the field of climate

change and education. It can be used to replicate the study in other regions, inspire new research

approaches, and contribute to the development of policies and interventions to address the impacts of

climate change on education.