Women and girls in South Sudan are severely impacted by climate change-induced heatwaves, facing heightened health risks and educational disruptions. Recent findings indicate that these extreme conditions, made more severe by human activity, deepen existing gender inequalities. Strategies for improving school environments and addressing social inequities are critical for safeguarding the well-being of women amid ongoing climate challenges.
Recent research reveals that women and girls in South Sudan are disproportionately affected by the ongoing climate crisis, exacerbated by a recent heatwave. This heatwave resulted in countless health risks and heightened inequality in an already conflict-impacted nation. The analysis from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) indicates that the extreme temperatures experienced in February were significantly heightened, likely making such conditions ten times more probable due to human-driven climate change.
The recent heatwave in South Sudan led to severe health incidents among students, prompting the government to temporarily close schools within weeks of the occurrence. In particular, dozens of children collapsed in Juba, marking the second disruption to education this year due to extreme temperatures, which reached as high as 45 degrees Celsius in previous Marches. These unprecedented heat levels in February are inconsistent with the typical climatic patterns observed in the region.
Classroom environments are particularly daunting, with many schools constructed with iron roofs that trap heat without adequate cooling facilities. As high temperatures persist, the resultant school closures disproportionately impact female students, hindering their educational prospects. Women’s roles in economic and domestic activities entail exposure to extreme conditions, which elevates their susceptibility to heat-related ailments.
To mitigate these harsh circumstances, experts suggest various strategies, including enhancing ventilation, increasing greenery, and utilizing lighter color paints on school buildings. Experts also advocate for adaptable school calendars to minimize disruptions to education.
WWA’s lead researcher, Friederike Otto, noted that entrenched gender roles and caregiving responsibilities render women more vulnerable during heat emergencies in poverty-stricken areas. The reliance on fossil fuels contributes to extreme weather events, increasing the risk of food scarcity, violence, and health issues for women globally. Reducing these inequalities and transitioning from fossil fuel dependence is paramount to addressing these ongoing challenges.
The study, undertaken by a team of researchers from multiple institutions, disclosed that the recent maximum heat experienced in the region would have been highly improbable without the 1.3 degrees Celsius rise in global temperatures since pre-industrial times. The research underscores a troubling correlation between rising temperatures and increased risks of miscarriage and stillbirth, compounding the dangers of pregnancy in an area already facing high maternal mortality rates.
With climate change projected to endure, conditions in South Sudan are expected to worsen, making heatwaves a frequent occurrence. The report warns that unless immediate action is taken to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, annual heatwaves of this intensity could become commonplace by the year 2100. The persistence of such extreme weather poses significant threats to the health and well-being of women and girls in South Sudan.
The findings from recent studies highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls in South Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for improved conditions and systemic changes to address inequalities. With extreme heat events exacerbated by climate change, immediate action is required to implement preventive measures and promote sustainable practices that protect vulnerable populations. If left unaddressed, the ongoing climate crisis will further exacerbate health risks and inequality in conflict-affected regions.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
