A study reveals that climate change has raised the likelihood of extreme heat in South Sudan, affecting the population’s health and daily activities, especially among women and girls. The nation’s ongoing political instability complicates its ability to cope with environmental challenges. The heatwave, with temperatures reaching 40°C, has led to government-mandated closures and health advisories.
A recent study indicates that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of heatwaves in South Sudan, particularly impacting women and girls. The nation, which has struggled with insecurity since its independence in 2011, is ill-equipped to handle the rising temperatures exacerbated by ongoing political instability. The February heatwave has seen temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting the government to take emergency measures, including school closures and encouraging citizens to stay indoors.
Climate change has reportedly made the extreme heat in South Sudan at least 2 degrees Celsius hotter and ten times more likely. According to Kiswendsida Guigma from the Red Cross, the implications of climate change are intensifying the hardships faced by this nation already grappling with economic struggles and political unrest. Many people work outdoors, and the absence of cooling infrastructure, like air conditioning, makes compliance with stay-at-home directives challenging.
Access to basic needs such as drinking water and electricity is limited, with only 8.4 percent of the population having electricity access in 2022. Women and girls are disproportionately affected as they perform daily tasks including collecting water and cooking. Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio, a resident of Kapoeta, stated that women endure significant challenges, having to work outdoors despite the oppressive heat. The increasing frequency of heatwaves, now occurring every two years, is being described as the new norm in South Sudan, according to Sarah Kew from the Netherlands Meteorological Institute, posing severe challenges for the populace.
The persistence of this heat is projected to continue through March, presenting significant health and living concerns for the South Sudanese people as they navigate the dual crises of climate change and political instability.
In conclusion, the study highlights the serious impact of climate change on extreme weather events in South Sudan, particularly through the ongoing heatwave. Women and girls face disproportionate burdens due to societal roles, compounded by insufficient infrastructure and resources. The findings emphasize the urgent need for both climate resilience strategies and enhanced social support for those most affected by these environmental challenges.
Original Source: www.france24.com
