Kuwait City, recognized as the world’s hottest city, has suffered from extreme heat, resulting in distressing scenes of falling birds and boiling fish. Once a popular destination, the city now faces hazardous temperatures, with recorded highs surpassing European heatwaves. Projections indicate further increases in heat, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly migrant workers. The government’s efforts to combat these issues through subsidies and infrastructure innovations highlight the urgent need for climate action in the region.
Kuwait City, known as the world’s hottest city, has experienced extreme weather conditions that bear resemblance to Old Testament narratives, characterized by birds falling from the sky and fish boiling in the sea. Once celebrated as the “Marseilles of the Gulf” for its thriving fishing industry and vibrant coastline, the city now suffers from temperatures so intense that they far exceed even the highest recorded European heatwaves.
Historically, Kuwait City thrived as a destination for sun-seekers, akin to the charming seaside towns of Britain. In contrast to the recreational transformations observed in British coastal areas, Kuwait City faces unbearable heat, making outdoor activities perilous. The Mitribah weather station recorded an astonishing temperature of 54°C (129°F) on July 21, 2016, a statistic that reflects the region’s unprecedented climate extremes.
Future projections indicate a temperature increase of 5.5°C (10°F) by the end of the century, with a concerning trend of 19 days exceeding 50°C observed in 2021, a figure that could be surpassed this year. The burgeoning metropolis, predominantly constructed of concrete, has rendered outdoor spaces hazardous during summer months, contributing to a significant decline in rainfall and more frequent dust storms.
Disturbing accounts have emerged of birds succumbing to the intense heat and marine life, such as seahorses, experiencing boiling conditions in the bay. High temperatures of 50°C pose severe risks to health, exceeding normal body temperature by 13°C (55°F), which can result in complications including heat exhaustion and infertility. In light of these conditions, the Kuwaiti government has taken the unprecedented step of allowing nighttime funerals.
The oppressive heat has prompted a shift in lifestyle, with those who can afford it preferring the respite provided by air conditioning in homes and commercial establishments. This has led to the development of innovative infrastructure, such as an indoor shopping street featuring palm trees, creating a cool refuge from the harsh elements. A 2020 study revealed that around 67% of household electricity consumption is attributed to air conditioning.
Despite the extreme temperatures, life in Kuwait persists with vibrant street activity, chiefly driven by a significant migrant labor force that constitutes approximately 70% of the population. These workers come mainly from Arab nations and regions in South and Southeast Asia, seeking employment opportunities under the kafala system in various sectors, notably construction.
Recent research from the Institute of Physics indicates that extreme weather conditions disproportionately impact migrant workers, predicting a potential rise in heat-related fatalities among Kuwait’s population. Such studies suggest that climate change could result in an increase of 5.1% to 11.7% in mortalities by century’s end, reaching as high as 15% among non-Kuwaitis.
Although environmental concerns are often overlooked, the consequences of climate change in Kuwait cannot be disregarded. The country’s large carbon footprint, surpassed only by Bahrain and Qatar, highlights the need for urgent action. Kuwait’s modest target of a 7.4% reduction in emissions by 2035, announced at COP26, lags behind regional efforts. Meanwhile, energy demands are projected to triple by 2030, driven largely by air conditioning usage.
Due to government subsidies on electricity and water to combat exorbitant costs, there is little motivation for consumers to conserve resources, a situation exacerbated by energy-intensive desalination processes. Environmental expert Salman Zafar warns of the severe repercussions Kuwait faces due to global warming, including floods, droughts, and threats to biodiversity, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these impending challenges.
In conclusion, Kuwait City exemplifies the dire consequences of extreme climate change, marked by unprecedented heat and environmental challenges. The transformation from a thriving coastal hub to an increasingly uninhabitable urban landscape underscores the urgent need for national action on climate mitigation. As the government grapples with rising temperatures and their impact on public health, the situation demands immediate attention, particularly concerning vulnerable populations such as migrant workers. Without significant changes, the trajectory of global warming could lead to irreversible damage to Kuwait’s ecosystem and society.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
