A study indicates that climate change has heightened the occurrence of heatwaves in South Sudan, severely affecting women and girls. Temperatures have reached 40 degrees Celsius, prompting government responses. The nation’s ongoing political strife exacerbates the situation, raising concerns about stability. High temperatures are expected to persist as the “new normal,” leading to significant challenges for the population.
A recent study has revealed that human-induced climate change has significantly increased the occurrence of heatwaves in South Sudan, adversely impacting women and girls in particular. The nation, already grappling with instability since its independence in 2011, is ill-prepared for the escalating frequency of environmental crises. The current heatwave has intensified amid political unrest, raising concerns about the disintegration of a 2018 peace agreement that concluded a prolonged civil conflict.
According to a recent report from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), parts of South Sudan experienced temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). In response, the government has closed schools in Juba as students were collapsing at an alarming rate of 12 per day, urging citizens to remain indoors to avoid the heat.
The research by the World Weather Attribution emphasized that climate change has made the extreme heat at least 2 degrees Celsius hotter and at least ten times more likely. As highlighted by Kiswendsida Guigma, a climate scientist, the adverse effects of climate change add additional strain to an already struggling economy in South Sudan.
The study points out that many individuals work outdoors, and the country’s infrastructure, characterized by tin-roofed houses, lacks air conditioning, hindering compliance with government advisories to stay indoors. Moreover, the availability of drinking water is critically low, and the World Bank reported only an 8.4 percent access to electricity in 2022, exacerbating the situation.
Women and girls are suffering the most, as they commonly undertake daily tasks including fetching water and cooking, requiring them to venture outdoors despite extreme temperatures. A resident of Kapoeta, Elizabeth Lodou Lochapio, noted how women must endure the heat to ensure their families are supported. She described her strategy of remaining stationary during peak heat hours from midday until 3:00 PM to minimize risks.
Researcher Sarah Kew stated that temperatures exceeding 40 degrees have become a regular occurrence in South Sudan, signifying a troubling shift towards what is considered the “new normal.” These high-temperature events, once infrequent, are now occurring biennially, presenting significant challenges for the populations affected. Projections indicate that the heat will continue to affect South Sudan throughout March.
In conclusion, the study underscores the exacerbating impact of climate change on South Sudan, highlighting an increase in extreme heat incidents and the disproportionate burden faced by women and girls. The existing political and economic instability in the country complicates efforts to adapt to these environmental challenges, as high temperatures become more common. The situation calls for urgent attention to address both climate resilience and socio-economic conditions in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.france24.com
