Research highlights that South Sudan’s women and girls are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat exacerbated by climate change, which disrupts education and health. The WWA study finds that these heatwaves, made ten times more likely by climate change, lead to increased health risks and deepening gender inequalities. Urgent measures to mitigate these impacts and reduce emissions are essential.
In South Sudan, women and girls are disproportionately affected by a severe heatwave exacerbated by climate change. Research from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group indicates that human-induced climate change increased February’s extreme heat, making it ten times more likely and two degrees Celsius hotter. As a result, school closures have been frequent, with students collapsing from heat-related illnesses in the capital, Juba.
Typically, South Sudan does not experience extreme temperatures until later in the year, making February’s readings particularly concerning. Most schools lack air conditioning and have iron roofs that retain heat, contributing to dangerous learning environments. This educational disruption severely impacts girls’ ability to return to school and increases health risks associated with high temperatures.
Due to entrenched gender roles and limited alternatives, women face greater challenges as they undertake household chores and employment in extreme heat. This situation increases their exposure to heat-related health issues, further exacerbating gender inequalities. It is critical to address these disparities while also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate scientist Kiswendsida Guigma suggests several measures to mitigate the situation, including improving school ventilation, planting trees, and altering school schedules to minimize disruptions. A study comprising 17 global researchers found that this year’s extreme heat would have likely been cooler without global warming, which has rendered intense heatwaves more common.
The adverse effects of climate change are creating an exacerbated risk of miscarriage and stillbirths in South Sudan, a country already struggling with high maternal mortality rates. Emmanuel Raju, a study author, noted that existing societal inequalities place women at greater risk during climate-induced crises, leading to increased caregiving responsibilities and reduced work opportunities.
Currently, heatwaves reaching temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius have become frequent, threatening the livelihoods and well-being of the populace. If greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed, such extreme weather events are likely to become an annual occurrence by 2100, according to researchers. The study’s findings stress the urgent need for a significant transition away from fossil fuels to combat climate change effectively.
The findings indicate that the ongoing climate crisis significantly exacerbates existing gender disparities in South Sudan, with women facing increased health risks and challenges due to extreme heat. Urgent actions are necessary to reduce emissions and implement strategies that protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. Without such measures, the frequency and severity of climate-related adversities will continue to escalate, further entrenching gender inequalities and health risks.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
