Impact of Human-Induced Climate Change on South Sudan’s Extreme Heat Events
A WWA study found that South Sudan’s extreme heat in February 2025 was at least 2°C hotter and ten times more likely due to climate change. This extreme weather, reaching 40°C, underscores an urgent need for adaptation strategies as the country faces compounding humanitarian crises. The study emphasizes the disproportionate impact on women and girls and advocates for resilience measures to address existing inequalities.
In February 2025, South Sudan experienced extreme heat that was at least 2°C above historical levels, with this phenomenon being ten times more likely due to anthropogenic climate change, as revealed in a recent World Weather Attribution (WWA) study. The temperature reached 40°C, emphasizing that such extreme heat occurrences are increasingly common, according to a group of 13 scientists from prestigious institutes, including the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute and Imperial College London.
This study, published on March 10, 2025, highlights the escalating climate challenges faced by South Sudan, a country already grappling with conflict, food insecurity, and economic instability. The scientists focused their analysis on the week of February 22-28, which is typically the hottest period of the year, discovering that climate models may be underestimating temperature increases, indicating a potential for even more severe climate impacts than previously estimated.
As global temperatures rise, South Sudan is poised to endure more frequent and severe heatwaves, exacerbating its humanitarian crisis. The study notes that while a significant heatwave occurred in March 2024, the earlier timing of the February 2025 heatwave suggests a troubling trend of intensifying heat events.
The report indicates that the effects of extreme heat disproportionately impact women and girls, exacerbating their existing vulnerabilities. With South Sudan having one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates—1,223 deaths per 100,000 live births—and a female literacy rate of only 29%, the risks are exacerbated by extreme heat.
Furthermore, 95% of employed women engage in the informal sector, primarily in agriculture and street vending, increasing their susceptibility to heat-related health issues such as heat stroke and cardiovascular strain. The study also reveals educational disruptions, as school closures due to extreme heat have occurred for two consecutive years, adversely affecting girls, who face increased risks of early marriage and challenges returning to school.
Poor infrastructure aggravates the situation, with inadequate cooling in schools and homes leading to higher indoor temperatures, thereby increasing the risk of heat stress. However, the study suggests that implementing basic adaptation measures—such as modifying school schedules and enhancing infrastructure—could alleviate some of these challenges.
Malnutrition remains a critical issue, with 860,000 children under five affected. Rising temperatures worsen food insecurity and health complications, especially in female-headed households. Additionally, over 1.1 million displaced individuals live in inadequately ventilated shelters, further increasing heat exposure. Displaced women often lack access to essential resources, amplifying their vulnerability.
The study advocates for tailored adaptation strategies that consider both conflict and gender dynamics to mitigate rising inequalities. It calls for empowering women farmers, enhancing labor protections for outdoor workers, and offering financial assistance to vulnerable households to improve community resilience. While there are strides, such as the IGAD’s early warning systems, timely information dissemination remains crucial for saving lives.
The findings underscore the urgent need for climate action in South Sudan, as increasingly frequent extreme heat events necessitate the integration of resilience measures into national and regional planning. The WWA study emphasizes that such actions are essential for protecting both lives and livelihoods in the face of climate challenges.
The WWA study highlights the alarming correlation between climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme heat events in South Sudan, revealing a 2°C rise in February 2025 temperatures linked to human-induced factors. This phenomenon disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, while exacerbating educational and health challenges. Urgent adaptation strategies and a focus on gender dynamics are crucial to mitigate existing inequalities and enhance community resilience against escalating climate impacts. As climate action is vital, integrating protective measures into planning will help safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
