Climate Change Intensifies Heatwave Challenges in South Sudan
A study indicates that climate change significantly increases the likelihood of heatwaves in South Sudan, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The February heatwave resulted in soaring temperatures and widespread health issues, including school closures. The study also reveals that extreme heat events are becoming a new normal for the nation, posing extensive socio-economic challenges.
A recent study indicates that human-induced climate change has heightened the likelihood of heatwaves in South Sudan. This extreme heat significantly impacts women and girls, who are particularly vulnerable. Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with insecurity and is ill-equipped to handle environmental crises, further exacerbated by ongoing political unrest.
The February heatwave has seen temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in parts of the nation, as reported by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). As a consequence, South Sudan’s government closed schools in the capital, Juba, where daily incidents of schoolchildren collapsing due to heat reached alarming averages.
According to the World Weather Attribution study, climate change increased the extreme heat by at least 2 degrees Celsius and made such events ten times more likely. Kiswendsida Guigma, a climate scientist involved in the study, stated that “climate change is clearly making life even more difficult in South Sudan, a country already facing economic challenges and periods of instability.”
The study also highlights the difficulties many face, especially those working outdoors, as most homes lack air conditioning and residents are advised to stay indoors. Access to clean drinking water remains scarce, with only 8.4 percent of the population having access to electricity in 2022, according to the World Bank.
The burden of daily chores falls heavily on women and girls, exacerbating their plight during the extreme heat. Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio, a resident in Kapoeta, noted, “They have to go out there to make a living despite the heat wave.” This reinforces the challenges they encounter, particularly when tasks such as water collection are performed under harsh conditions.
Sarah Kew, another study co-author, asserts that “climate change means that dangerous heatwaves exceeding 40 degrees are becoming the new normal in South Sudan.” The frequency of such high-temperature events, which were once rare, is projected to occur every two years, posing considerable challenges for the populace. The heat is expected to persist throughout March, according to climate projections.
In conclusion, the study highlights the significant impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in South Sudan, with socioeconomic implications, particularly for women and girls. As this nation grapples with ongoing political and economic challenges, climate-induced crises further complicate the situation, necessitating urgent action to protect vulnerable populations and enhance resilience against such environmental extremes.
Original Source: www.france24.com
