A study by World Weather Attribution reveals that women in South Sudan are disproportionately affected by a recent heatwave, exacerbated by climate change, which has made such events at least ten times more likely. The heat poses significant health risks, particularly for pregnant women. School closures due to extreme temperatures further hinder education for girls in the region.
A recent study by World Weather Attribution reveals that women in South Sudan are disproportionately affected by the severe heatwave that struck the country last month. The extreme temperatures, reaching highs of 42°C, prompted schools to close for two weeks. This abnormal weather event has been attributed to climate change, which has made such heatwaves at least ten times more likely.
The acting Minister of Health, Aya Benjamin Warille, has advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during this intense heat, stay hydrated, and utilize fans or air conditioning when available. However, many households and schools lack proper cooling systems, as the majority of educational facilities are makeshift structures without electricity, resulting in an average of twelve students collapsing daily in the capital, Juba.
School closures during these heatwaves exacerbate the already critical educational challenges faced by over 2.8 million children, predominantly girls, who are out of school. This situation is concerning, as girls often assume additional household responsibilities during such times, further exposing them to extreme heat.
The risk posed by extreme heat is particularly alarming for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, increasing the likelihood of miscarriage and stillbirths. With maternal mortality rates in South Sudan at 1,223 deaths per 100,000 births, this development is a grave concern.
Friederike Otto, co-lead of World Weather Attribution, emphasizes the compounding effects of climate change on pre-existing inequalities, noting that ”unyielding gender roles, the need to care for children and a lack of other options than exposing themselves to excruciating heat, means that in war-torn South Sudan, each of the now frequent heatwaves hits women more, deepening the divide between the genders.” The study confirms that human-made climate change has intensified the severity and frequency of such heat events, warning that the likelihood of similar occurrences will continue to rise under current global emissions scenarios.
The findings of the World Weather Attribution study underscore the urgent need for addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly on marginalized populations such as women in South Sudan. As heatwaves become increasingly common and intense due to human-induced climate change, the risks of health complications and educational disruptions are expected to heighten. This highlights the importance of equitable climate strategies that consider gender disparities and protect vulnerable groups effectively.
Original Source: earth.org
