Women and girls in South Sudan are severely impacted by extreme heatwaves, causing health risks, education disruptions, and widening gender disparities. A collaboration between scientists highlights these challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptation strategies that consider gender and conflict dynamics. Reports indicate that extreme heat has worsened existing inequities, particularly in health and education, necessitating immediate interventions to support vulnerable populations.
In South Sudan, women and girls are disproportionately affected by extreme heatwaves, which have become a significant concern since mid-February. Record high daytime temperatures predominantly impact individuals residing in inadequate housing and outdoor workers, constituting a substantial portion of the population. Following numerous cases of children experiencing heat strokes in Juba, the government closed schools nationwide for two weeks beginning February 20 and advised citizens to remain indoors and hydrate, presenting challenges given the lack of infrastructure and resources.
Conditions in Juba are particularly dire, with approximately one-third of residents lacking access to clean water and only 1% of the city offering shaded greenery for those unable to stay cool indoors. Heatwaves are recognized as one of the most perilous forms of extreme weather, influencing not only mortality but also factors like health, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. The reported death toll in South Sudan is far less than the actual impact, with many repercussions on vulnerable populations like women and girls going unnoticed.
Collaborative efforts by scientists from various countries aimed to assess the role of climate change in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat in South Sudan, examining the specific effects on women and girls. This research aligns with International Women’s Day, drawing attention to the urgent need for equitable climate resilience strategies. The focus was on February’s most severe heat period within the region, showcasing the heightened vulnerability to extreme temperatures.
Gender significantly influences how individuals in South Sudan face heat-related challenges. Women experience substantial difficulties, including alarming maternal mortality rates, lower literacy levels, and underrepresentation in government. Most employed women work in the informal sector, often in agriculture or other heat-exposed jobs while dedicating considerable time to unpaid care responsibilities, heightening their health risks.
Extreme heat also disrupts education, with prolonged school closures exacerbating gender-based expectations and increasing the likelihood of early marriage, particularly affecting girls. Suggestions from educators include adjusting school hours to avoid extreme temperatures and enhancing school infrastructures with passive cooling measures to mitigate long-term closure effects.
Moreover, extreme heat intensifies malnutrition issues, already severe for many children in South Sudan, particularly impacting female-led households. Inequality is compounded by limited access to food, healthcare, and economic stability, creating a vicious cycle adversely affecting health outcomes among the most vulnerable populations.
Additionally, conflict and displacement exacerbate heat risks, forcing many into overcrowded shelters that lack proper ventilation and cooling options. Displaced women face heightened threats of violence and inadequate access to essential resources, which further discriminates against them.
Although extreme heat occurrences are typically not expected as early as February, recent climate changes indicate unusual patterns, where observed temperatures exceed historical averages. Climate change has undoubtedly intensified these heat events, and future extremes may be potent even at slight global warming levels.
As immediate interventions are critical, access to safe water, shaded areas, and cool spaces, particularly in refugee camps, can significantly alleviate heat stress. Ajuong Thok refugee camp serves as a model for implementing better shelter designs, prioritizing the needs of women and vulnerable populations.
Adaptive strategies must incorporate considerations of conflict and gender to prevent reinforcing existing inequalities. Supporting women farmers with climate-resilient methods and enhancing protections for outdoor workers are essential. Efforts to improve urgent early warning systems are underway, focusing on effective communication to ensure community preparedness and facilitate self-protective measures against extreme heat.
The extreme heatwaves affecting South Sudan significantly impact women and girls, exacerbating existing disparities and vulnerabilities. The ongoing challenges related to health, education, and economic opportunities necessitate immediate and targeted interventions that consider gender and conflict dynamics. It is crucial to develop adaptive strategies that prioritize access to resources and support for women, ensuring that climate resilience efforts enhance equity rather than deepen inequalities. Effective climate adaptation measures can make a critical difference in safeguarding vulnerable populations in South Sudan against extreme heat impacts.
Original Source: www.worldweatherattribution.org
