Kuwait City: The World’s Hottest City and Its Climate Crisis
Kuwait City holds the title of the world’s hottest city, experiencing extreme temperatures that lead to phenomena such as birds dying and fish boiling. Historically a hub for tourists, the current conditions mandate unusual adaptations, including nighttime funerals. A significant portion of the population is comprised of vulnerable migrant workers, facing serious health risks due to excessive heat. Despite high energy demands and minimal emissions reductions, the reality of climate change looms large over Kuwait.
Kuwait City, known as the hottest city globally, is undergoing extreme heat conditions that lead to alarming phenomena such as birds falling from the sky and fish boiling in the sea. Once a vibrant coastal hub, affectionately dubbed the “Marseilles of the Gulf” due to its flourishing fishing industry, the metropolis is now besieged by unparalleled heat, making it unbearable for outdoor activities.
On July 21, 2016, the Mitribah weather station recorded a staggering temperature of 54°C (129°F), marking one of the highest temperatures ever documented. The current heatwave surpasses even Europe’s most intense summer temperatures by as much as 10°C. Projections suggest that Kuwait may experience a further rise in temperature of 5.5°C (10°F) by the end of the century.
The extreme heat poses significant risks to public health, with temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F). Such conditions can trigger severe health complications, including heat exhaustion and even death. The Kuwaiti government has taken drastic measures, allowing funerals to occur at night due to the dangerous heat, and many residents now prefer to stay indoors, capitalizing on air-conditioned spaces.
To adapt to the relentless heat, Kuwait has begun developing futuristic infrastructure, including indoor shopping centers designed to provide refuge from the oppressive climate. Notably, a significant portion of residential electricity use is devoted to air conditioning, consuming two-thirds (67%) of the energy.
Despite the searing temperatures, Kuwait remains a bustling hub due to its vibrant migrant population, which comprises about 70% of the workforce. Many of these workers take on roles in construction and household services. However, studies suggest that climate change exacerbates health risks for these vulnerable populations, projecting a rise in heat-related mortality in the coming decades.
Ecological challenges are evident as Kuwait grapples with its significant carbon footprint, which is among the highest in the world. The government has announced a minimal commitment to reducing emissions by 7.4% by 2035, falling behind neighboring countries in climate action. Moreover, energy consumption is expected to surge as air conditioning use increases, driven by climate change.
Environmental experts warn of dire consequences for Kuwait if climate change remains unchecked, including potential floods, droughts, and loss of biodiversity. With the current energy subsidies in place, there is little motivation for residents to conserve resources, placing Kuwait at serious risk of drastic environmental repercussions.
Kuwait City is facing unprecedented heat, making it the hottest city globally with serious implications for public health and daily life. The once vibrant coastal city is now grappling with extreme temperatures that result in alarming environmental effects such as wildlife mortality and health risks. As the government navigates these challenges with minimal climate action, the future of Kuwait appears precarious under the threat of climate change.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
