A study indicates climate change made South Sudan’s recent heat wave 10 times more likely and 2°C hotter. The country’s extreme weather threatens public health, especially for children and vulnerable groups. Climate adaptations and strategic planning are essential to address these challenges and mitigate risks in the future.
A recent study by World Weather Attribution reveals that climate change has made heat waves in South Sudan at least ten times more likely and increased the severity by 2 degrees Celsius. Following a significant heat wave in February that prompted school closures in the capital, Juba, temperatures reached above 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit). Research utilized weather data, observations, and climate models for their findings, although these results are not yet peer-reviewed.
South Sudan, located in East Africa’s tropical zone, has endured years of civil war and instability. Although it contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers immensely from climate-related impacts. Joyce Kimutai from Imperial College London noted that Africa contributes little to climate change yet bears most of its consequences. The rising frequency and intensity of heat waves pose severe risks to vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women.
Currently, extended heat is affecting a large portion of Eastern Africa, including Kenya and Uganda. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and stay hydrated, posing challenges in regions with high outdoor labor, unreliable electricity, and limited access to clean water. Juba’s available green space is a mere 1%, exacerbating the intense heat downtown.
Climate adaptations are critical for relief. Suggestions include installing better ventilation, tree planting, and lighter building colors. Adjusting school schedules could mitigate educational disruptions during extreme weather. Dr. Guigma from the Red Cross emphasizes that climate change worsens existing economic issues and instability in South Sudan, where education completion rates are alarmingly low.
The study projects that heat waves like the one in February could occur roughly once every decade under current warming trends, escalating to potential annual occurrences if temperatures rise significantly by century’s end. The region anticipates continued high temperatures into March, emphasizing an immediate need for effective climate adaptation strategies in South Sudan and similar areas.
In summary, climate change significantly intensifies the likelihood and severity of heat waves in South Sudan, posing severe risks to public health and education. The socioeconomic repercussions of prolonged heat conditions highlight the urgent need for adaptation strategies. Given the potential frequency of extreme weather due to rising global temperatures, proactive measures are crucial to safeguard vulnerable populations in the region.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
