The WWA study indicates that South Sudan experienced a February 2025 heatwave that was at least 2°C hotter due to climate change. Rising temperatures have exacerbated socio-economic issues, particularly affecting women and children’s education, health, and food security. Adaptation strategies addressing gender and conflict dynamics are crucial for future resilience.
A recent study from World Weather Attribution (WWA) revealed that extreme heat in South Sudan during February 2025 was at least 2°C hotter and ten times more likely to occur due to human-induced climate change. With recorded temperatures reaching 40°C, the study emphasized a concerning trend of increasing extreme heat events in the region. Leading scientists from reputable institutions conducted this analysis, further confirming the escalating climate threat in a nation already grappling with numerous crises.
The study, released on March 10, 2025, focused on the hottest week of the year, from February 22-28. It found that current climate models understate the significant rise in temperatures, suggesting that the actual impacts of human-induced warming may exceed existing projections. As global temperatures rise, South Sudan is anticipated to experience more frequent and severe heatwaves, worsening humanitarian situations within the country.
One concerning implication of the rising temperatures is the disproportionate impact on women and girls, exacerbating their vulnerabilities. South Sudan presents one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, along with low female literacy levels. As 95% of employed women work informally—primarily in demanding sectors such as agriculture—the risks associated with heat exposure grow, heightening the incidence of issues such as heat-related illnesses.
Furthermore, education is being disrupted by extreme heat; schools have closed for two consecutive years due to rising temperatures. In both March 2024 and February 2025, schools were forced to shut down in response to health emergencies. The study indicates that children’s education, particularly that of girls, is at significant risk, often leading to early marriages and hampered efforts to return to academic environments.
In addition to educational disruptions, malnutrition remains a critical concern, affecting 860,000 children under five in South Sudan. Rising temperatures exacerbate food insecurity and health problems, particularly among female-led households. Furthermore, displacement and conflict compound these challenges, leaving over 1.1 million individuals residing in crowded, poorly ventilated shelters.
The study advocates for comprehensive adaptation strategies that address both conflict and gender dynamics, aiming to prevent worsening inequalities. Recommendations include empowering women in agriculture with climate-resilient practices and enhancing labor protections for outdoor workers. While progress has been made through initiatives like IGAD’s early warning systems, effective and timely dissemination of information remains crucial to protecting vulnerable populations.
The findings of the WWA study strongly underline the urgent requirement for climate action. As extreme heat events are predicted to increase in frequency, it is essential to incorporate resilience measures into regional and national planning to safeguard the livelihood and welfare of the Sudanese people.
In summary, the World Weather Attribution study reveals alarming trends regarding extreme heat in South Sudan, highlighting both the rising temperatures attributed to climate change and the corresponding impact on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Adaptation strategies that are sensitive to gender dynamics and the ongoing crises of conflict and displacement are critical to addressing the worsening situation. The urgent need for comprehensive climate action and effective infrastructural changes can mitigate the consequences of these devastating climate phenomena.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
