Climate Change Intensifies Heatwave Impact in South Sudan

A study indicates that man-made climate change has heightened the likelihood of a heatwave in South Sudan, where soaring temperatures particularly affect women and girls. The country, facing political instability, is unprepared for environmental disasters. Climate change has increased temperatures by at least 2°C and tenfold the likelihood of extreme heat events, with significant implications for daily life as women undertake burdensome tasks under harsh conditions.

A recent study has revealed that human-induced climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of an extreme heatwave in South Sudan. The soaring temperatures are not only affecting the populace but are also disproportionately impacting women and girls. The country is facing these environmental challenges amid ongoing political instability and insecurity since gaining independence in 2011.

In February, South Sudan experienced temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), as reported by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This extreme heat prompted government officials to temporarily close schools in the capital, Juba, due to the alarming rate of illnesses among students, with an average of twelve students collapsing daily in the heat.

According to the World Weather Attribution study, climate change has made the recent heatwave at least 2 degrees Celsius hotter and ten times more likely to occur. Kiswendsida Guigma, a climate scientist associated with the Red Cross, expressed that “climate change is clearly making life even more difficult in South Sudan,” a nation already grappling with economic difficulties and instability.

Conditions in South Sudan make it challenging for many outdoor workers to adhere to recommendations to stay indoors during the heatwave. The extreme heat exacerbates existing issues like limited access to clean drinking water and electricity, which stood at only 8.4 percent in 2022, according to the World Bank. Women and girls are particularly affected, as their traditional roles often require them to undertake laborious daily tasks in the harsh conditions of extreme heat.

Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio, a resident of Kapoeta, noted the struggles women face, stating, “They have to go out there to make a living despite the heat wave.” She further mentioned, “When the sun was at its hottest, I don’t move; I make sure that I stay in one place.” Sarah Kew, a researcher at the Netherlands Meteorological Institute, highlighted the new reality, proclaiming, “Climate change means that dangerous heatwaves exceeding 40 degrees are becoming the new normal in South Sudan.”

With predictions indicating that the heat will persist throughout March, this extreme weather pattern presents significant challenges for the people of South Sudan. The situation underscores the urgent need for adaptive solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, especially in vulnerable communities already facing systemic challenges.

The article underscores the increasing impact of climate change on South Sudan, where extreme heatwaves have become more common and significantly affect the daily lives of its citizens, particularly women and girls. As the country grapples with severe environmental conditions amid ongoing political turmoil, the findings of the World Weather Attribution study highlight an imperative for adaptive measures. Ultimately, the urgency of addressing climate change could not be clearer, especially for a nation already burdened by a lack of resources and stability.

Original Source: www.webstercountycitizen.com