A study finds climate change has made South Sudan’s heat wave 10 times more likely and increased its intensity significantly. With temperatures exceeding 42°C in February, schools closed due to health risks amid an ongoing crisis of food insecurity and political instability. Experts suggest adaptations in infrastructure and scheduling to alleviate heat impacts. Worsening climate conditions pose a continuous threat to public health and education.
A recent study by World Weather Attribution highlights that climate change has made South Sudan’s recent heat wave at least 10 times more likely and increased temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat led to school closures in February, following incidences of students suffering from heat stroke. Some areas experienced temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit), exacerbating the health risks in a region already vulnerable due to war and food insecurity.
South Sudan, located in East Africa, has a complicated history marked by a civil war culminating in independence in 2011. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country faces severe impacts from climate change. Joyce Kimutai, a researcher, noted that African nations contribute only a small fraction of emissions yet endure significant consequences from climate impacts.
Heat waves are categorized as extremely deadly weather events, with increasing severity and frequency due to climate changes. However, varied methodologies across countries can result in ambiguous mortality data. Vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and pregnant women, are particularly at risk during prolonged heat events.
Currently, extreme heat is affecting much of Eastern Africa, including parts of neighboring Kenya and Uganda, prompting health advisories. Residents struggle with the challenge of staying hydrated and cool in places where outdoor labor is essential, power supply is inconsistent, and clean water is scarce. In Juba, only 1% of the city’s area consists of green space, hindering cooling options for residents.
Experts recommend several strategies to mitigate the impact of heat in schools: improving ventilation, increasing greenery, and adapting school schedules. Kiswendsida Guigma from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center emphasizes these adaptations could significantly alleviate heat stress during educational periods.
After years of instability and conflict, South Sudan faces heightened vulnerabilities from climate change. The aftermath of a 2018 peace agreement has not erased the underlying tensions within the country. Dr. Guigma expressed concern that worsening climate conditions further complicate existing economic and educational challenges.
As global temperatures rise, the likelihood of experiencing such extreme heat waves may increase dramatically. Annual occurrences could happen if warming doubles by the century’s end, posing an ongoing threat to the health and education of South Sudan’s youth and wider population. Extreme temperatures are expected to persist in the region for the upcoming weeks.
The study indicates that climate change is significantly influencing the frequency and intensity of heat waves in South Sudan, driven by global warming largely caused by emissions from wealthier nations. This threatens public health and educational stability in a country already struggling with the aftermath of civil conflict and food shortages. Mitigation and adaptation strategies are crucial to protect vulnerable populations from the increasing risks posed by climate change.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
