Kuwait City, known as the world’s hottest city, experiences extreme heat causing birds to fall from the sky and fish to boil in the sea. With temperatures reaching record highs and predictions of further increases, the situation is dire. The harsh climate conditions affect health, trigger infrastructure changes, and pose risks particularly to the migrant worker population, highlighting Kuwait’s significant carbon footprint and inadequate climate policies.
Kuwait City, recognized as the world’s hottest city, presents a dire scene of extreme climate impacts, manifesting in distressing events like birds plummeting to the ground and fish boiling in local waters. Once revered for its flourishing fishing industry and vibrant beach culture, this metropolis now faces suffocating temperatures that surpass even the most severe European heatwaves.
The city achieved a record high of 54°C (129°F) on July 21, 2016, making it one of the hottest locations globally. In 2023, Kuwait’s scorching heat easily eclipsed the peaks experienced across Europe during the Cerberus Heatwave by a staggering 10°C. Projections indicate a climate increase of 5.5°C (10°F) by the end of the century, exacerbating the existing issues. Last year, Kuwait recorded over 19 days of heat exceeding 50°C, a trend expected to intensify further.
The harsh concrete environment of Kuwait City is becoming increasingly inhospitable, making outdoor conditions perilous during summer. Alongside the soaring temperatures, evidence shows a decrease in annual rainfall and an increase in severe dust storms. Disturbing reports indicate instances of birds dying mid-flight and marine life suffering, with pigeons also seeking refuge from the relentless sun.
Temperatures hitting 50°C pose significant health risks, elevating concerns of heat exhaustion, cardiovascular issues, and potential fatalities from prolonged exposure. In response to the extreme conditions, the Kuwaiti government has innovatively allowed night-time funerals this year, reflecting the dire situation. Many citizens now prefer the solace of air-conditioned spaces, leading to advancements in climate-adaptive infrastructure such as a new indoor shopping street with palm trees and European-style shops.
A metering of energy consumption reveals that an astounding 67% of residential electricity in Kuwait is used for air conditioning alone. While acknowledging the comforts of living in Kuwait, Joshua Wood, a contributor for ExpatsExchange, noted the extreme summer heat as a significant challenge, particularly between May and September.
Despite the oppressing temperatures, Kuwait’s streets remain bustling, largely due to a demographic dominated by migrant workers, who account for about 70% of the population. These individuals, often employed in construction or domestic services under the controversial kafala system, endure the sweltering climate daily. Research suggests that if climate trends continue unabated, heat-related deaths may rise by 5.1% to 11.7%, especially alarming for non-Kuwaiti residents, potentially escalating to 15%.
While environmental concerns are often sidelined, the ramifications of climate change in Kuwait are apparent, as the state continues to generate a significant carbon footprint, one of the highest globally when compared with its neighbors. At COP26, Kuwait set a limited emission reduction target of 7.4% by 2035, even though a significant increase in energy consumption is forecasted by 2030, largely driven by air conditioning.
Subsidized electricity and water costs offer little incentive for conservation among consumers, contributing to the ongoing environmental crisis. As environmental expert Salman Zafar noted, “Kuwait could be potentially facing serious impacts of global warming in the form of floods, droughts, depletion of aquifers, inundation of coastal areas, frequent sandstorms, loss of biodiversity, significant damage to ecosystem, threat to agricultural production and outbreak of diseases.”
Kuwait City’s current plight exemplifies the extreme effects of climate change, with soaring temperatures leading to significant health risks and environmental challenges. The aftermath of excessive heat is exacerbated by insufficient rainfall and increasing dust storms, complicating life in this densely populated area. As the nation grapples with its substantial carbon footprint and limited climate initiatives, urgent action is required to mitigate future climate-related hazards. Failure to address these issues may lead to severe consequences affecting both the local population and the migrant worker demographic that sustains the state’s economy.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
