Climate Change Increases Heat Wave Likelihood in South Sudan

A study by World Weather Attribution indicates that climate change has made heat waves in South Sudan ten times more likely and exacerbated existing health risks. The region faces severe heat due to minimal contributions to global emissions and adaptation challenges, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations.

A recent study by World Weather Attribution reveals that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of heat waves in South Sudan, making a recent severe heat event ten times more probable and raising temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius. Following a particularly intense heat wave in February that led to school closures due to student heat strokes, these findings emphasize the urgent need for climate action. The study utilized various weather data and climate models, although it is yet to be peer-reviewed.

The country, with a fraught history of civil conflict and socio-economic instability, contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions yet faces the dire consequences of climate change. Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at Imperial College London, pointed out that while Africa accounts for a small fraction of global emissions, it suffers the most from climate-related disasters.

Heat waves pose severe health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Currently, Eastern Africa, including regions in South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda, is experiencing prolonged extreme heat, prompting advisories for residents to stay indoors and hydrate amid challenging living conditions that often lack adequate cooling solutions.

In Juba, South Sudan’s capital, the city suffers from insufficient green spaces, with only 1 percent available to provide relief from the heat. Experts recommend several adaptations, including improving school ventilation and infrastructure to address the heat’s impacts. Climate scientist Dr. Kiswendsida Guigma stressed the importance of adjusting educational schedules and enhancing facilities to mitigate disruptions.

The impacts of climate change are exacerbating life in South Sudan, where ongoing political tension and economic hardship persist, despite a peace deal established in 2018. Dr. Guigma noted that climate change complicates existing struggles for the youth, as education is often interrupted. If global temperatures proceed to rise, extreme heat events similar to February’s could occur every decade, raising concerns for the future of education and public health in the region.

The findings from the recent study underscore the compounded effects of climate change on vulnerable regions like South Sudan. This nation, suffering from historical socio-economic challenges and civil instability, faces escalating heat-related health risks. Effective adaptations and climate action are imperative to safeguard the wellbeing and educational opportunities for its population.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com