Women’s health risks and inequalities have surged in South Sudan due to a climate change-induced heatwave. Research indicates that the extreme temperatures, worsened by human-caused climate change, have led to school closures and increased risks for women and girls, heightening their vulnerability. Urgent measures for adaptation and infrastructure improvement are recommended to alleviate the situation.
Research findings indicate that women and girls in South Sudan are enduring heightened health risks and increased inequality due to the country’s ongoing climate change-induced heatwave. According to the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group, human-induced climate change has made February’s heatwave in South Sudan approximately ten times more likely and raised temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius. This alarming trend has emerged as the nation grapples with record-breaking heat affecting local communities.
In February, schools in Juba closed for weeks after numerous students suffered from heat stroke amid extreme conditions. These closures marked the second such incident within a year, as last March similarly saw temperatures soar to 45 degrees Celsius. Typically, South Sudan experiences its highest temperatures later in the year, making the early heatwave particularly unusual.
The infrastructure in South Sudan exacerbates issues, with most schools featuring iron roofs that trap heat and lack air conditioning, creating unbearable environments for students. High temperatures are anticipated to persist throughout March, further compounding the challenges faced by educators and learners.
Women and girls disproportionately experience the adverse effects of these excessive temperatures, as school closures hinder girls’ educational opportunities. Additionally, the demanding nature of household chores and unemployment places women at risk of heat-related illnesses. These factors contribute to existing gender inequalities in a country already affected by poverty.
Strategies such as improving ventilation, planting trees, and selecting lighter colors for school buildings could help mitigate heat in classrooms, as suggested by climate scientist Kiswendsida Guigma. Adapting educational calendars and class schedules could also alleviate the impact of extreme weather events.
Persistent gender roles and a lack of alternative options compel women in South Sudan to endure extreme heat, deepening gender disparities. As Friederike Otto, WWA’s lead, highlights, unequal conditions intensify the impact of climate change on already vulnerable populations, exposing women to heightened risks during extreme weather events.
The study, involving 17 researchers from various institutions, emphasizes that the recent heatwave would have been highly improbable without a global temperature increase of approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. In fact, the maximum temperatures during this event would have been about 4 degrees cooler without this warming trend.
Intensified heatwaves have been linked to increased risks of miscarriage and stillbirth in South Sudan, which already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. Emmanuel Raju of the University of Copenhagen reiterates that women and girls worldwide continue to face disproportionate impacts due to climate change, exacerbated by social inequities.
In conclusion, the heatwave in South Sudan, intensified by climate change, has disproportionately affected women and girls, exacerbating existing inequalities and health risks. The intricate relationship between social roles, economic responsibilities, and climate vulnerability underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies. As climate change continues to escalate, addressing these challenges through improved infrastructure and policies that prioritize gender equity is crucial for safeguarding the health and education of women and girls in the region.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
