A recent study found that climate change has made heat waves in South Sudan ten times more likely, with extreme temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius impacting vulnerable populations. School closures have occurred due to health risks from heat, highlighting climate change’s severe impacts in regions contributing minimally to global emissions. Experts recommend improving infrastructure and school schedules to mitigate effects, as similar heat waves may become annual occurrences if current warming trends continue.
A recent study by World Weather Attribution revealed that climate change has significantly affected South Sudan, increasing the likelihood of heat waves by tenfold. Following extreme heat in February that caused numerous student heatstroke incidents, South Sudan closed schools for two weeks—a drastic measure taken due to the recurring dangers of extreme heat. During the last week of February, temperatures exceeded 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in various regions.
The analysis employed historical weather data and climate models to assess the impacts of climate change, concluding that at least one week of the heat wave was directly attributable to rising global temperatures caused mainly by fossil fuel emissions from wealthy nations. It highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by African countries such as South Sudan, which contribute minimally to global emissions yet suffer significant consequences from climate impacts, as noted by Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at Imperial College London.
Heat waves pose serious health risks, particularly affecting vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women. The current heat crisis extends beyond South Sudan, impacting parts of Kenya and Uganda, where residents have been advised to remain indoors; however, this poses challenges due to limited access to water, electricity, and cooling facilities. In Juba, only 1 percent of the capital’s area features green space, compounding residents’ difficulties in coping with extreme heat.
Experts suggest various adaptation strategies to mitigate heat’s effects, such as enhancing ventilation in classrooms, increasing urban greenery, and adjusting school schedules to prevent educational disruptions. Dr. Kiswendsida Guigma emphasized climate change’s amplifying effect on South Sudan’s already challenging living conditions, exacerbated by economic instability and ongoing political tensions following a peace deal in 2018 that ended a devastating civil war.
Studies predict that if global temperatures continue to rise, South Sudan could experience similar heat waves every decade, escalating to annual occurrences if warming doubles by century-end. With high temperatures expected to persist through March, urgent action is essential to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by South Sudanese populations.
The study underscores the dire implications of climate change, specifically in South Sudan, where extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe. With low greenhouse gas contributions juxtaposed against mounting challenges, urgent mitigation and adaptation strategies are critical to protect vulnerable communities. As global temperatures rise, proactive measures are essential to avert further repercussions, ensuring health and well-being amid increasing climate instability.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
