Women and girls in South Sudan are facing increased health risks and inequalities due to climate change, illustrated by recent heatwaves. February’s heat event, exacerbated by human activity, led to severe educational disruptions. The study highlights rising maternal health risks amid worsening climatic conditions, calling for systemic changes to address these challenges.
Recent research highlights that women and girls in South Sudan are disproportionately affected by the harsh impacts of climate change, notably record-breaking heatwaves. These findings were published by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group just before International Women’s Day on March 8, indicating that February’s extreme temperatures were intensified by human-induced climate change, being ten times more likely and 2 degrees Celsius hotter than expected.
In February, heatwaves led to numerous incidents of heat stroke among students in Juba, prompting school closures for weeks, marking the second instance of such closures in less than a year. The rise in temperatures during February is atypical since severe heat usually peaks later in the year. The country’s school infrastructure, predominantly featuring iron roofs without air conditioning, exacerbates the situation.
The disruptions to education significantly impact girls’ return to school, while jobs and responsibilities typically assigned to women expose them further to extreme conditions, increasing their risk of heat-related health issues. Climate scientist Kiswendsida Guigma suggests that improving classroom conditions through better ventilation and tree planting can alleviate some of these problems, alongside adapting school schedules to prevent educational interruptions.
Persistent gender roles in South Sudan worsen the situation, making women more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, especially given the country’s high poverty levels. Friederike Otto from WWA notes that climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, causing women to experience higher rates of mortality and food insecurity, particularly following extreme weather.
A study conducted by international researchers indicates that the extreme heat experienced this year in South Sudan would have been unlikely without global warming. Furthermore, increased heatwaves have been linked to higher miscarriage and stillbirth rates, intensifying the dangers surrounding childbirth in a region already grappling with high maternal mortality rates.
As South Sudan faces more frequent and intense heatwaves, researchers predict that the occurrence of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius will become increasingly commonplace unless there is a marked reduction in global emissions from fossil fuels. Sarah Kew of WWA warns that unless significant action is taken, such heatwaves will be a regular challenge for the country and its most vulnerable populations, especially women.
Climate change poses severe health and educational risks for women and girls in South Sudan due to exacerbated heat conditions. Disruptions in schooling coupled with gender-specific vulnerabilities amplify existing inequalities. Solutions such as improved school infrastructure and educational adaptations are crucial to mitigate impacts. Moreover, political and systemic changes to reduce emissions could provide a pathway to alleviate ongoing hardships caused by climate change.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
