As Ho Chi Minh City grapples with record-breaking heatwaves, schools must innovate to protect students from extreme heat. It involves redesigning schedules and infrastructure to mitigate rising temperatures. Officials emphasize that structural modifications, including reflective roofing and vertical gardens, are a cornerstone of this approach. Additionally, real-time data on classroom humidity, heat index and hydration levels allows principals to refine school activities to meet children's physical endurance.
One critical aspect is the "flexible timetable". This ensures physical education occurs in the early morning, leaving peak heat hours for indoor activities regardless of traditions. By avoiding sun exposure, schools foster a safer environment. Automated sensors provide early warnings of heat exhaustion, so teachers do not wait for emergencies to intervene. This helps curtail the risk of heatstroke and safeguard student health.
Practical solutions also promote comfort through "green insulation." Many schools replaced concrete with grass and trees for natural cooling. Specialized ventilation allows buildings to capture breeze, and heat-absorbent materials provide a temperature drop. It enhances concentration while reducing energy costs. In schools with limited budgets, such biological breakthroughs keep cooling projects economically viable.
The microclimate record remains key in long-term planning. Maintenance logs and archives record the effectiveness of cooling methods. Analytical tools evaluate weather patterns to forecast future needs and identify heat-trap areas. This allows departments to anticipate challenges, optimize resource distribution, and prepare for extreme weather events. In addition, these insights provide a scientific basis for future policy adjustments, ensuring that schools can continuously refine their strategies in response to evolving climate conditions. Over time, such a proactive approach will contribute to building a more adaptive and sustainable educational environment.
(Source: Adapted from VietnamNews / TuoiTre News - 2026)