[Correspondence] Toward climate-smart, mental health-safe schools

Matea Cañizares’ call to reduce heat stress in schools is timely and welcome.1 The Philippines had repeated heat-related school disruptions in April and May, 2024, including a nationwide shift to distance learning and widespread local suspensions.2 Many schools are crowded and poorly ventilated, and many homes lack air conditioning. Therefore, heat follows learners from classroom to bedroom, undermining study and sleep. Meanwhile, 2024 was the warmest year on record (around 1·55–1·60°C above pre-industrial levels), establishing a new operational baseline for school systems.