Impact of Climate Change on Women in South Sudan Amidst Extreme Heat

Women and girls in South Sudan are increasingly affected by climate change, facing heightened health risks and worsening inequality due to record-breaking heat. Recent research by the WWA indicated that February’s extreme heat can be attributed to human-induced climate change, leading to school closures and increased risks of heat-related health issues. The findings highlight the urgent need for measures to address gender disparities and mitigate climate impacts.

Recent studies reveal that women and girls in South Sudan are facing escalating health risks exacerbated by climate change, particularly amid record-setting heat conditions. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) research indicates that February’s extreme heat was made ten times more probable due to human-caused climate change, with temperatures elevated by approximately 2 degrees Celsius.

In February, significant heatwaves in South Sudan caused numerous student collapses due to heat stroke in Juba, leading to prolonged school closures. This closure marks the second instance this year where educational institutions have shut down during a heatwave, following a similar pattern from last March.

Researchers have noted that the onset of extreme temperatures in February is atypical; such conditions are generally not anticipated until later in the year. Most educational facilities utilize iron roofs, trapping heat without air conditioning, thereby compounding the discomfort for students during these heatwaves.

The repercussions of school closures disproportionately impact women and girls, as it hinders educational opportunities and exacerbates gender inequality. Domestic responsibilities and employment tasks predominantly managed by women further expose them to hazardous temperatures, increasing their risk of heat-related health issues.

To alleviate the extreme heat in classrooms, the WWA suggests improving ventilation, introducing shade through tree planting, and selecting lighter paint colors for school buildings. Adapting school schedules can also mitigate educational disruptions, according to Kiswendsida Guigma from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.

Persistent gender roles compel women to endure extreme heat conditions due to childcare obligations and limited alternatives, exacerbating existing inequalities. Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer from Imperial College London, emphasizes that fossil fuel consumption significantly intensifies extreme weather, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

The study, conducted by a consortium of 17 scientists, indicates that without global warming, the extreme heat experienced in South Sudan is improbable. They emphasize the heightened risk of miscarriage and stillbirths due to these rising temperatures, contributing to South Sudan’s already alarming maternal mortality rate.

Researchers highlight that extreme heat events are becoming increasingly frequent, with such conditions expected once every decade under current climate scenarios. Without immediate action to reduce fossil fuel dependence, these occurrences could become an annual threat as global temperatures potentially rise by 2.6 degrees Celsius by 2100.

Sarah Kew from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute notes that the once rare instances of extreme heat are now emerging every two years, posing severe implications for the population, particularly for women affected by the ensuing hardships.

This calls for urgent actions to transition away from fossil fuel reliance to mitigate future climate impacts, especially on vulnerable groups such as women and girls in South Sudan.

In summary, the findings indicate that women and girls in South Sudan are significantly burdened by climate change, particularly through extreme heatwaves. School closures, enhanced health risks, and entrenched gender roles contribute to deepening inequalities in the region. The urgency to transition away from fossil fuels has never been more apparent, as the frequency of extreme heat events continues to pose severe challenges. Immediate remedial measures are vital to reduce these inequalities and improve the situation for vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com