Women Face Increased Vulnerability Amid South Sudan’s Climate Crisis

Recent findings indicate that women and girls in South Sudan endure heightened health risks and gender inequality due to climate change-related heatwaves. The February heatwave was intensified by anthropogenic climate factors, leading to school closures and increased health concerns. Addressing these challenges requires improvements in infrastructure and systemic approaches to combat gender disparities exacerbated by climate stresses.

Women and girls in South Sudan are facing significant adverse effects from climate change, particularly during recent record-breaking heatwaves. According to the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group’s findings, published ahead of International Women’s Day, the February heatwave was exacerbated by human-induced climate change; it was made ten times more likely and 2 degrees Celsius hotter than it would have been otherwise.

In February, heatwaves led to numerous cases of heatstroke among students in Juba, prompting the temporary closure of schools. Such closures have been common as high temperatures have returned to South Sudan, mirroring similar incidents from the previous year. Typically, the hottest temperatures do not occur until later in the year, making these early heat spikes particularly concerning.

The infrastructure of many schools contributes to these dire conditions, as most are constructed with iron roofs and lack air conditioning. With the temperatures expected to remain elevated throughout March, the situation for students remains precarious. The disruption of education impacts girls disproportionately, making it increasingly difficult for them to return to school.

Traditional gender roles exacerbate the challenges faced by women in South Sudan. The need for women to care for children and perform household duties exposes them to oppressive heat and health risks. The analysis highlights that recurring school closures hinder the educational prospects of girls, elevating existing inequalities, and exposing women to heightened risks of heat-related illnesses.

Experts suggest several interventions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, including enhancing ventilation, planting trees, and utilizing lighter colors for school buildings. Adaptations to the academic calendar and class schedules could further alleviate disruptions to education, according to climate scientist Kiswendsida Guigma.

The predominant issue of gender vulnerability to climate change is underscored by the work of WWA’s lead researcher, Friederike Otto. The ongoing impacts of climate change create a cycle of inequality, particularly affecting women and exacerbating their struggles related to natural disasters, food shortages, and increased violence.

A recent study involving 17 researchers clarified the dire relationship between climate change and the incidences of miscarriages and stillbirths due to overheating during pregnancy. South Sudan bears one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, implicating climate conditions as a contributing factor to these tragedies.

Furthermore, the research indicates that heatwaves exceeding 40 degrees Celsius are becoming increasingly common. This trend of elevated temperatures can be expected to result in extreme heat events occurring more frequently in the future, especially without a comprehensive transition away from fossil fuels.

In conclusion, the ongoing climate-fueled heatwaves in South Sudan present severe health risks, particularly for women and girls, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. With educational disruptions and heightened health challenges, the necessity for urgent action to mitigate climate change effects is evident. Efforts involving infrastructure improvements and the reallocation of resources are essential to safeguard the health and educational futures of women and children amidst worsening climate conditions.

Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com