A recent analysis indicates that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of extreme heat in South Sudan, prompting school closures and raising concerns about public health in a nation already grappling with the consequences of war and instability.**
Extreme Heat in South Sudan: A Climate Change Crisis Unfolding**
Extreme Heat in South Sudan: A Climate Change Crisis Unfolding**
The recent heat wave in South Sudan raised alarms after schools were closed to protect children from heat-related incidents, with studies highlighting the role of climate change in this crisis.**
After a severe heat wave swept through South Sudan’s capital of Juba, authorities were compelled to close schools for a two-week period after numerous students suffered from heat-related illnesses. This alarming incident marked the second such closure within a year, underscoring the escalating risks posed by extreme temperatures to young populations.
A fresh study by World Weather Attribution revealed that climate change, predominantly driven by fossil fuel consumption in wealthier nations, made at least one week of February’s heat wave ten times more likely and increased temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius. Some areas in the region experienced scorching temperatures beyond 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) during the last week of February.
The research is based on historical weather data, observations, and climatic models, though it has yet to undergo peer review. South Sudan has been devastated by civil war since its 2011 independence from Sudan and remains one of the least responsible nations for the greenhouse gas emissions driving global warming.
Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at the Center for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, commented on the paradox, stating, "Africa's contribution to global emissions is minimal, yet the continent experiences severe repercussions from climate change."
As heat waves grow deadlier and more frequent globally, the specific links between temperature and mortality rates can vary, leading to significant underreporting of fatalities in these events. The implications of prolonged heat are particularly dire for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
For the past three weeks, a wave of extreme heat has also gripped continental Eastern Africa, affecting neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda. Residents have been urged to remain indoors and keep hydrated—a considerable challenge in regions with sparse electricity, limited access to clean water, and inadequate housing that lacks proper cooling systems.
