A study reveals that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of heatwaves in South Sudan, especially impacting women and girls. The government has closed schools in Juba due to extreme temperatures, leading to many health incidents. Women bear the brunt of the heatwave, as outdoor work and household responsibilities become more difficult in harsh conditions. This new normal of severe heat poses significant challenges for the country amidst ongoing political turmoil.
A recent study indicates that man-made climate change has heightened the chances of extreme heatwaves in South Sudan, adversely affecting women and girls disproportionately. Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced multiple crises, leaving it poorly prepared for natural disasters. Compounding these challenges is ongoing political instability, raising concerns about the durability of the peace agreement established in 2018.
During February, temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of South Sudan, prompting the closure of schools in the capital, Juba. An average of 12 students collapsed daily due to the heat, leading the government to advise residents to stay indoors. According to the World Weather Attribution study, climate change has increased the extreme heat by at least 2 degrees Celsius and made such events ten times more likely.
Kiswendsida Guigma, a climate scientist, emphasized the adverse impacts of climate change on an already struggling society, stating that it exacerbates existing economic woes and instability. In a country where many people work outdoors and homes lack air conditioning, government orders to stay inside become challenging to follow. Moreover, as noted by the World Bank, access to electricity in South Sudan was only 8.4 percent in 2022.
The study outlines that women and girls shouldered the significant burden of household responsibilities during the heatwave, making tasks such as fetching water and cooking increasingly difficult. Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio from Kapoeta highlighted how women are compelled to work in extreme conditions to provide for their families.
Sarah Kew, another researcher involved in the study, remarked that heatwaves exceeding 40 degrees Celsius are becoming frequent and are described as the ‘new normal’ for South Sudan. The occurrence of such high-temperature events every two years creates substantial challenges for its citizens. Predictions indicate that the heatwave conditions will persist through March of the current year.
The study sheds light on the alarming impact of climate change on extreme weather patterns in South Sudan, highlighting increased heatwave occurrences and their disproportionate effects on women and girls. With ongoing political instability and limited infrastructure, the nation faces escalating challenges that threaten its recovery and stability. Moving forward, addressing climate change and its implications will be critical for South Sudan’s future resilience and development.
Original Source: www.france24.com
