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This chapter presents the crises urban education systems are facing across the world due to mega risks. The pandemic has caused the largest disruption in history in education affecting 1.6 billion students in about 190 countries. Simulations of learning losses show that the current generation of students may have lost an estimated 17 trillion US dollars in lifetime earnings at present value due to the pandemic alone—equivalent to 14% of today’s global GDP. Climate change has also affected cities world over with recurring climate-related extreme events like cyclones and floods through destruction of schools, relevant infrastructure, and learning materials. Indirectly they impact family livelihood and well-being by affecting health, food, and shelter—resulting in increased absenteeism, dropouts, and deteriorating quality of learning. Again, their financial impacts are believed to be in trillions of dollars. Besides learning losses, school closures also affect the growth and development of children by denying them school meals, health services including vaccinations, and psychosocial support. In terms of response, school closures increased the reliance of institutions upon remote technology—digital solutions or broadcast media like radio and television. This chapter besides highlighting key obstacles in a shift to distance learning or adapting to new normal also discusses the lessons learnt and emerging opportunities. It emphasizes speeding up reform and preparing future generations to be both productive and resilient to face mega risks through education and practice.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-14088-4_8