The effects of global warming are clear worldwide, and Kashmir is no exception. Rising temperatures and changing seasonal patterns are no longer rare; they are the new normal. Since 1850, Earth’s average temperature has increased by about 0.11°F (0.06°C) per decade, totalling around 2°F. Alarmingly, this rate has tripled since 1982, now reaching 0.36°F (0.20°C) per decade. According to NOAA, 2024 was the hottest year since global records began in 1850. The World Meteorological Organization predicts a 70% chance that average global temperatures will exceed the 1.5°C threshold between 2025 and 2029. These statistics highlight a serious situation not just for the planet, but especially for areas like Kashmir.
Kashmir used to be known for its mild climate and the beauty of its four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season offered a unique experience, from blooming gardens in spring to snow-covered valleys in winter. Traditionally, summers in Kashmir were warm but manageable, often balanced by occasional rain that provided relief. In recent years, however, this natural balance has been disrupted. Summers have grown increasingly dry, rainfall has significantly decreased, and water resources are dwindling. Cracks in croplands, dried-up streams, and parched soil are now common sights.
Notably, on July 5, 2025, Srinagar recorded a scorching temperature of 37.4°C the highest in 70 years. The last time such temperatures were recorded was in July 1953 and July 1946, at 37.7°C and 38.3°C, respectively. Winter temperatures have also been unusually high. In January 2024, the valley’s average temperature reached 11.9°C, an unsettling change for a region usually covered in snow at that time. These changes, while ecological, are now deeply affecting every area of life in Kashmir especially education.
In the past, educational institutions in Kashmir closed for only 10 to 15 days during the summer. This year, however, the relentless heat forced schools to shut down for longer periods, disrupting the already fragile academic calendar. Given that schools are typically closed for nearly three months in winter, this loss of instructional time in summer poses a serious threat to students’ academic progress and overall growth. As educators, we must ask ourselves: Can we afford such closures? The answer is evident we cannot. We need to reconsider our response. Instead of prolonged closures, we should find ways to continue classes.
We must build resilience not just in our infrastructure but in our students’ minds. Most government schools lack facilities to combat extreme heat, but within our limited resources, we can explore ways to ensure learning continues uninterrupted. It is time we stop treating harsh summers as reasons to close our doors. Interestingly, private coaching centres and tuition institutes remain open. Students still spend entire days on sports fields, undeterred by the heat simply because they are ready for it. If they can endure the sun for play, why can’t they do the same for education? We should also look at states where temperatures reach 45 to 50°C, yet students still attend school. If they can adapt, so can we. We must prepare ourselves and our children to face this reality.
Global warming is not a temporary issue it is here to stay. Our response cannot be seasonal; it must be strategic. Building mental and physical resilience, improving school facilities, adjusting school hours, and ensuring access to hydration and ventilation these are practical steps we can implement right now. Let’s stop waiting for perfect weather and start getting ready for an unpredictable future. The future of our students and our society depends on it.
The Author is Teacher by profession in the Department of Education.
