Extreme heat waves in South Sudan disproportionately affect women and girls, exacerbating existing inequalities. Following critical incidents of heatstroke, schools closed nationwide, impacting education and daily life. Factors such as poor housing, limited access to water, and ongoing conflict worsen vulnerabilities. Interventions and adaptations focusing on gender equity are needed to combat these challenges and build resilience.
In South Sudan, extreme heat poses a significant threat, particularly to women and girls who disproportionately suffer the consequences. Since mid-February, severe heat waves have affected vast regions in Eastern Africa, resulting in high daytime temperatures, especially for those living in poor conditions and outdoor workers. Following incidents of heatstroke among children in Juba, nationwide school closures were implemented starting February 20, compelling many to stay indoors, a challenge due to inadequate housing and lack of essential resources, including clean water.
With a third of Juba’s population lacking access to clean water, only 1% of the city provides green space or shade, exacerbating the health risks associated with extreme heat. Heatwaves are known to be deadly, impacting mortality rates, health, agriculture, and economies, with reported figures often underestimating the full extent of damage. In South Sudan, gender disparities worsen as women face increased vulnerabilities, which hinder their opportunities in an already unequal society.
A collaborative effort among scientists from multiple countries aims to analyze the influence of human-induced climate change on the region’s extreme heat events and the subsequent effects on women and girls. The focus centers on South Sudan, identified for experiencing peak temperatures and high vulnerability. The research emphasizes the period in February with the highest recorded maximum temperatures, suggesting pathways for enhancing climate resilience for women, particularly around International Women’s Day.
Women in South Sudan encounter severe challenges that heighten their vulnerability to extreme heat events, including high maternal mortality rates, lower literacy levels, and minimal representation in politics. Most women are employed in the informal sector and are heavily involved in agriculture, increasing their exposure to heat. Their unpaid workloads, such as collecting water and cooking, intensify the risks of health complications associated with prolonged heat exposure.
The educational impact of extreme heat can also not be overlooked. Prolonged school closures lead to learning losses, heightened gender-specific household expectations, and increased risks of early marriage, making it challenging for girls to return to schools. Suggested interventions include adjusting school schedules to mitigate exposure to high temperatures and retrofitting school buildings to incorporate passive cooling solutions.
Extreme heat exacerbates food insecurity and malnutrition, currently affecting 860,000 children under five in South Sudan. The resulting health risks are compounded for children in female-headed households, often confronted with limited access to food and healthcare. This situation fosters a cycle of deteriorating health outcomes and deepens existing inequalities.
Additionally, displacement due to conflict significantly amplifies heat-related risks for women and girls. With over 1.1 million people forced into poorly ventilated shelters, the challenges faced by displaced women—such as limited access to cooling resources—become even more critical, exposing them to increased vulnerabilities, including risks of violence.
Unexpectedly high temperatures were recorded as early as February, a sign of the ongoing climate crisis which has already risen by 1.3°C. Previously, such extreme conditions would have been rare in a cooler climate, emphasizing the role of global warming due to human actions. Current observations suggest that the recent heat event in South Sudan could be attributed to climate change, which has made extreme heat at least 2°C hotter and ten times more likely.
While precise predictions of future heat events remain challenging due to model limitations, heightened climate change will increase the likelihood and intensity of heat waves. Despite these obstacles, targeted community interventions can still help manage heat risks, especially in conflict-impacted areas. Enhancing access to safe water, shaded areas, and cooling spaces is crucial, especially in overcrowded regions.
Adaptation strategies must take gender and conflict dynamics into account to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities. Supporting women farmers with climate-resilient agricultural practices and improving labor protections for outdoor workers can enhance coping capacity. Development of impact-based early warning systems will be essential for improving preparedness, ensuring the efficient dissemination of warnings to foster self-protective actions among the population.
Extreme heat in South Sudan significantly impacts women and girls, highlighting existing gender inequalities. Victims face severe health, educational, and economic challenges exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and ongoing conflict. Enhanced community interventions, coupled with targeted adaptation strategies, are imperative for building resilience against heat stress. Ultimately, ensuring equitable access to resources and support for affected populations remains crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Original Source: www.worldweatherattribution.org
