South Sudan experiences severe heatwaves exacerbated by climate change, with women and girls facing the worst outcomes. Research shows that higher temperatures lead to increased health risks and educational disruptions. Adaptive measures are needed to manage the impact on vulnerable populations. Without urgent action on climate change, extreme heat events are likely to become more frequent and severe, particularly affecting women.
A recent study reveals that women and girls in South Sudan are disproportionately affected by extreme heatwaves exacerbated by climate change. According to research by the World Weather Attribution group, February’s heatwave was intensified by human-induced climate change, making such extreme conditions ten times more likely and 2 degrees Celsius hotter than previously experienced. Women face increasing health risks and inequality as schools shut down, impacting education, and exposing them to dangerous temperatures during their daily activities.
School conditions in South Sudan contribute to the problem, as many buildings lack air conditioning and have iron roofs that trap heat. As temperatures exceed normal levels in February, closures disrupt education, particularly for girls. These circumstances highlight the vulnerability women face with additional household chores and job responsibilities that leave them exposed to extreme weather.
Research emphasizes the importance of adaptive measures such as enhancing ventilation, landscaping with trees, and changing school schedules to mitigate these issues. Experts indicate that women are helpless under persistent gender roles and a lack of resources to avoid extreme heat, which aggravates existing inequalities in South Sudan.
The study points to direct health effects, including increased risks of miscarriage and stillbirth due to heightened temperatures, which worsen maternal mortality rates in the region. Researchers stress that women in developing countries face compounded challenges from climate change, leading to a “vicious cycle” of debt and increased caregiving responsibilities.
Extreme heat events have become commonplace, particularly with the current state of climate warming, where similar heatwaves are expected more frequently. Projections warn that if fossil fuel dependencies persist, the region may encounter annual extreme heatwaves by 2100. Analysts confirm that without significant action on global warming, dangerous temperature spikes will continue to rise, particularly threatening the well-being of women in vulnerable regions such as South Sudan.
The impact of climate change in South Sudan highlights a critical intersection between gender inequality and extreme weather. Women and girls bear the brunt of increased health risks and disrupted education due to rising temperatures. The study calls for immediate action to alleviate these inequalities by addressing climate change through sustainable practices and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Without intervention, cycles of vulnerability will intensify, putting more lives at risk, particularly among women.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
