Impact of Climate Change on Women in South Sudan During Heatwaves

The recent heatwave in South Sudan, exacerbated by climate change, has highlighted the disproportionate effects on women and girls. The government closed schools for two weeks due to health concerns, with many educational institutions lacking adequate cooling. The findings underline how entrenched gender inequalities exacerbate the impacts of climate change, particularly during extreme weather events.

A recent study by World Weather Attribution reveals that the vigorous heatwave experienced in South Sudan last month was exacerbated by climate change, which was found to have increased its likelihood by at least tenfold. The intense temperatures prompted the South Sudanese government to close schools for a two-week period due to the health risks associated with the heat, including numerous cases of students collapsing from heatstroke.

Acting Minister of Health Aya Benjamin Warille advised the populace to limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated amid temperatures soaring to 42 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, many households and educational institutions lack adequate cooling facilities, with many schools being makeshift structures without electricity. The government reported that, preceding the school closures, an average of 12 students collapsed daily in Juba.

The report emphasizes that women, particularly in South Sudan where over 70% of children are out of school, are disproportionately affected by such climate events. Girls face barriers to returning to school due to approaching household responsibilities, which only increases their exposure to heat. This situation is compounded by the fact that extreme heat poses serious health risks, including the threat of heatstroke, which can be fatal without prompt intervention.

The implications of high temperatures are particularly dire for pregnant women; the risk of miscarriage and stillbirths is heightened. In a nation where maternal mortality rates are alarmingly high, this presents a significant public health challenge. Friederike Otto, co-lead at World Weather Attribution, stated that the study underscores how entrenched inequalities worsen the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly women who often bear the brunt of the resultant hardships.

The researchers concluded that climate change, fueled primarily by fossil fuel consumption, substantially contributed to the recent heatwave. The study determined that such heat events are expected to occur more frequently due to climate change, which has raised Earth’s surface temperature and consequently intensified the frequency and severity of heatwaves. Without significant global emissions reductions, similar heat events in South Sudan are predicted to occur annually by the end of the century.

In summary, the findings from World Weather Attribution highlight the alarming intersection of climate change and gender inequality in South Sudan. Women, especially during extreme weather events like heatwaves, face additional burdens that compromise their health and educational prospects. With climate change making such events more frequent, urgent action is necessary to address these disparities and mitigate the impacts on vulnerable populations. Promoting access to cooling facilities and educational resources for girls should be a priority for policymakers in South Sudan.

Original Source: earth.org