Women and girls in South Sudan are experiencing exacerbated health risks and inequalities due to climate-fueled heatwaves, as revealed by a study from the World Weather Attribution group. The February heatwave was significantly intensified by human-induced climate change. School closures and increased maternal health risks underscore the urgent need for solutions to combat these challenges and support affected communities.
Researchers have identified that women and girls in South Sudan are disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly during a recent extreme heatwave. This analysis, by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group, indicates that the heatwave experienced in February was approximately 10 times more likely due to human-induced climate change and 2 degrees Celsius hotter than historical averages. The overwhelming effects of this severe weather are exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and gender inequalities in the region.
In February, extreme temperatures caused numerous school closures across South Sudan. In Juba, the capital, students succumbed to heat stroke, prompting officials to shut schools twice during heatwaves in just one year. Such high temperatures, peaking at 45 degrees Celsius in the past, now occur unseasonably early, marking a concerning trend in climate patterns.
The infrastructure of schools contributes to dangerous learning conditions, as many lack proper ventilation and air conditioning, and utilize heat-retaining iron roofs. As the country continues to experience intense heat through March, the effects on education, particularly for girls, are troubling. The ongoing school closures hinder their ability to pursue education, evidencing a deepening gender divide exacerbated by climate crises.
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable during these extreme weather events since they often partake in outdoor labor and household tasks, increasing exposure to hazardous heat conditions. Proposed solutions to mitigate these challenges include enhancing school environments through better ventilation, tree planting, and modifying school schedules. These changes could ensure sustained educational opportunities for children.
The paper also reports on severe health impacts, including heightened risks of miscarriage and stillbirths due to extreme heat, further endangering pregnant women in a country with exceptionally high maternal mortality rates. This intersection of climate and gender challenges underlines the pressing need to address social inequities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect vulnerable populations.
Recent analyses suggest that without a swift transition from fossil fuel dependency, the occurrence of extreme heat will escalate in frequency and severity. Predicted outcomes indicate that such conditions may become a yearly reality, escalating the challenges faced by the South Sudanese population, particularly impacting women and girls. The alarming projection highlights an urgent call for immediate actions against climate change.
The ongoing climate crisis in South Sudan reveals significant disparities in how weather extremes affect different demographics, particularly women and girls. The association between heightened heat and increased health risks demands prompt intervention strategies focused on infrastructure, education, and systemic inequalities. Continued reliance on fossil fuels poses a critical threat to vulnerable communities, necessitating an accelerated shift toward sustainable practices.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
