Climate Change Intensifies Heatwave Crisis in South Sudan

A study indicates that climate change has heightened the likelihood of the ongoing heatwave in South Sudan, with temperatures reaching dangerous levels that disproportionately affect women and girls. Coupled with political instability, the situation underscores the nation’s vulnerability to environmental disasters. The heat is likely to persist, highlighting the growing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events.

A recent study has revealed that climate change has significantly increased the probability of the heatwave currently affecting South Sudan. The report highlights that the extreme temperatures, particularly affecting women and girls, are exacerbated by existing social and economic instabilities in the nation. The heatwave aligns with ongoing political unrest, stirring concerns over the fragility of a peace agreement established after the five-year civil war that ended in 2018.

In February, temperatures in South Sudan soared to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), compelling government officials to close schools in the capital, Juba, due to a concerning average of 12 students collapsing daily. Residents have been instructed to remain indoors amidst the extreme heat, yet many face challenges due to the lack of air conditioning in homes and insufficient access to drinking water and electricity, which stood at a mere 8.4 percent in 2022.

The research from the World Weather Attribution group indicates that climate change has made these extreme occurrences at least 2 degrees Celsius hotter and ten times more probable. Kiswendsida Guigma, a co-author of the study, remarked that climate change is intensifying the hardships faced by South Sudan, which is already grappling with economic difficulties and instability.

Women and girls are particularly bearing the brunt of this climate crisis, as they typically undertake daily tasks including the collection of water and cooking. Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio, a local resident, noted the challenges women face, emphasizing their continued need to work despite the severe heat. Additionally, Sarah Kew, another study author, stated that heatwaves reaching over 40 degrees are now becoming increasingly common in South Sudan, occurring every two years, further straining the community’s resilience against environmental change.

In summary, the study points to severe implications of climate change on South Sudan, particularly through the lens of increasing heatwaves exacerbated by political instability and economic hardship. Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by these conditions. The findings connote an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change in the region, as well as a thorough re-evaluation of social support systems to protect vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.france24.com