A recent study indicates that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of heatwaves in South Sudan, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The nation, grappling with political instability since its independence in 2011, faces dire consequences with soaring temperatures impacting daily life and health. Authorities report alarming incidents of students collapsing due to the extreme heat, highlighting urgent needs for action.
Recent findings reveal that human-induced climate change significantly increases the probability of heatwaves in South Sudan, affecting predominantly women and girls. The nation, struggling with insecurity and environmental crises, has been declared ill-equipped to handle these challenges. The ongoing political instability raises concerns about the durability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a violent civil war.
As a result of a severe heatwave in February, temperatures in parts of South Sudan soared to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The government closed schools in the capital, Juba, where an average of twelve students collapsed daily due to the extreme heat. Authorities have advised citizens to remain indoors to combat the health risks posed by high temperatures.
The World Weather Attribution’s recent study indicates that climate change has made the extreme heat at least 2 degrees Celsius hotter and at least ten times more likely. “Climate change is clearly making life even more difficult in South Sudan, a country already facing economic challenges and periods of instability,” stated Kiswendsida Guigma, a climate scientist and co-author of the study.
The study highlights that numerous people in South Sudan work outdoors, making adherence to safety recommendations challenging. Water scarcity and minimal electricity access further exacerbate the situation. Currency issues also force women and girls to bear the brunt of outdoor labor burdens, as domestic tasks, such as collecting water and cooking, typically fall on them.
Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio narrated from southeastern Kapoeta that women must work despite extreme heat conditions, with midday temperatures becoming dangerously unbearable. Sarah Kew, another co-author of the study, remarked, “Climate change means that dangerous heatwaves exceeding 40 degrees are becoming the new normal in South Sudan,” underlining the escalating frequency of such temperature extremes. According to projections, these soaring heat conditions are expected to persist through March.
The implications of climate change are becoming increasingly tangible in South Sudan, where extreme heat impacts daily life and disproportionately affects women and girls. The study indicates a troubling trend of rising temperatures linked to climate change, posing profound challenges in a nation already tackling political instability and resource scarcity. Urgent action and adaptation strategies are necessary to mitigate these challenges and safeguard vulnerable populations in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.webstercountycitizen.com
