A study reveals that climate change has increased the likelihood of recent heatwaves in South Sudan, affecting women and girls disproportionately. The country is already facing economic and political instability, and rising temperatures pose grave challenges. Researchers note the extreme heat is becoming commonplace, exacerbating the difficulties of daily life.
A recent study indicates that man-made climate change has heightened the likelihood of a severe heatwave in South Sudan. The country’s soaring temperatures have been disproportionately impacting women and girls who bear the primary responsibility for outdoor tasks. The situation is aggravated by South Sudan’s existing instability and economic challenges since its independence in 2011.
According to the report from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), temperatures in some regions of South Sudan reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting the government to close schools and advise residents to stay indoors. In Juba city, reports indicate that an average of 12 students collapsed each day due to the conditions.
A study from the World Weather Attribution network notes that climate change has made this extreme heat at least 2 degrees Celsius hotter and ten times more likely. Kiswendsida Guigma, a climate scientist, emphasizes that climate change exacerbates already existing challenges in South Sudan, a nation struggling with economic hardships and political turmoil.
The study highlights the difficulties faced by a population that largely works outdoors, particularly when adequate shelter and air conditioning are scarce. Access to drinking water is limited, and only 8.4 percent of the population had electricity as of 2022, according to the World Bank. Women in South Sudan are particularly affected as they are often responsible for essential household chores.
Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio explains the daily struggle of women in Kapoeta, who must venture out to sustain their livelihoods despite the oppressive heat. Researchers, including Sarah Kew, assert that these extreme heat events are now becoming a frequent occurrence, facing the South Sudanese population with unprecedented and ongoing challenges due to climate change.
In summary, a recent study highlights the significant impact of climate change on South Sudan, particularly through the recent heatwave affecting the population. The study underscores the heightened vulnerability of women and girls, whose roles in managing household responsibilities expose them to severe temperatures. This situation is compounded by the ongoing political turmoil and economic difficulties within the nation, rendering the heatwave a microcosm of larger environmental and social issues.
Original Source: www.france24.com
