A study by WWA revealed that February 2025 witnessed extreme heat in South Sudan, being 2°C hotter and ten times more likely due to human-induced climate change. It outlined growing climate threats amid existing challenges, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women and children, while stressing the necessity for adaptation strategies and climate action to address these urgent issues.
In February 2025, South Sudan experienced extreme heat that was at least 2°C higher and ten times more likely attributed to human-induced climate change, according to a World Weather Attribution (WWA) study. With temperatures hitting 40°C, the occurrence of such extreme weather patterns is increasingly becoming a norm, as reported by a team of 13 WWA scientists from various esteemed institutions.
The study, published on March 10, 2025, emphasizes the escalating climate threat in South Sudan, a nation already facing issues of conflict, food insecurity, and economic instability. The analysis focused on the hottest week of the year, February 22-28, revealing that current climate models may not accurately reflect the actual rise in temperatures caused by human activity.
As global temperatures rise, South Sudan anticipates more frequent and severe heatwaves, worsening its humanitarian crisis. While the peak heat recorded in March 2024 was higher, the 2025 heatwave arrived earlier, signaling an alarming trend of increased intensity and seasonal shifts in extreme heat events.
The impact of extreme heat is not gender-neutral as it disproportionately affects women and girls. South Sudan has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, significantly affecting women’s health, which is compounded by limited access to education and employment opportunities. With 95% of women employed in informal sectors, increased heat exposure poses a greater risk of heat-related illnesses.
The rising temperatures also disrupt education, as extreme heat led to school closures for two consecutive years. Classes were shut down in March 2024 and February 2025 due to soaring temperatures, with incidents of students collapsing during lessons. These disruptions increase the chances of early marriage for girls and hinder their return to education.
Furthermore, the study noted inadequate infrastructure in schools and homes, where materials like iron sheet roofs exacerbate heat conditions. Simple adaptation measures, such as modifying school schedules and improving facilities, could alleviate some of these impacts.
Malnutrition ranks as a critical issue, affecting 860,000 children under five. Increasing temperatures contribute to food insecurity and health complications, particularly in female-led households. Displacement and ongoing conflict worsen these conditions, with over 1.1 million people in overcrowded shelters facing heightened heat exposure.
The scientists urge the need for adaptation strategies that consider the intersections of conflict and gender to avoid worsening inequalities. Empowering women farmers, enhancing labor protections, and providing financial support for at-risk households are recommended actions for building resilience. Although advancements in early warning systems by IGAD are noted, timely information dissemination is crucial for life-saving interventions.
The study ultimately highlights the pressing need for immediate climate action in South Sudan. As extreme heat events grow more common, integrating resilience strategies into national and regional policies will be vital to protect lives and livelihoods in the region.
The WWA study underscores the urgent implications of extreme heat in South Sudan, illustrating how human-induced climate change has exacerbated temperature increases and increased the frequency of heatwaves. The impacts are particularly damaging to vulnerable populations, especially women and children, highlighting the need for tailored adaptation strategies. Effective climate action, combining infrastructure improvements and community resilience measures, is essential to mitigate future climate risks and safeguard affected communities.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
