A WWA study found that South Sudan’s February 2025 heat was 2°C hotter and ten times likelier due to human-induced climate change. The extreme heat exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, particularly impacting women and children. The findings emphasize the need for adaptation strategies and highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis due to rising temperatures.
A recent study conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA) revealed that extreme heat waves in South Sudan during February 2025 were at least 2°C hotter and ten times more likely to occur due to anthropogenic climate change. With recorded temperatures reaching 40°C, the frequency of such extreme weather events is exacerbating the country’s ongoing crises, including conflict and food insecurity. This alarming finding was presented by a team of 13 scientists from prominent institutions, including the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute and Imperial College London, indicating a significant shift in temperature patterns for South Sudan.
The study, which was published on March 10, 2025, focused on the hottest week of the year, specifically from February 22 to February 28. The analysis concluded that current climate models may be underestimating the actual increase in temperatures, suggesting even greater future impacts attributable to human actions. As global temperatures rise, South Sudan is predicted to experience an increase in the frequency and severity of heatwaves, intensifying its humanitarian crisis.
Notably, the extreme temperatures disproportionately affect women and girls, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities within these populations. South Sudan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, alongside a stark gender gap in literacy rates, where only 29 per cent of women are literate compared to 40 per cent of men. With the vast majority of women employed in informal sectors such as agriculture, increased heat exposure poses severe health risks, including kidney damage and heat-related illnesses.
Moreover, the study illustrates that rising temperatures are obstructing educational access. Schools have remained closed for two consecutive years due to extreme heat, with reports of students collapsing in classes during the February 2025 heatwave. These disruptions particularly threaten the education of girls, potentially leading to early marriage and hindering educational attainment. The report identified that existing school infrastructure often contributes to elevated indoor temperatures, calling attention to the urgent need for improvements.
Malnutrition continues to be a significant concern, especially as rising temperatures aggravate food insecurity and health-related issues, particularly in female-headed households. Current displacements due to ongoing conflicts force many into overcrowded shelters with inadequate ventilation, limiting their access to cooling and basic healthcare. Thus, the report emphasizes the urgency for developing adaptive strategies that incorporate the challenges posed by conflict and gender, including supporting female farmers and enhancing protections for outdoor workers.
The WWA study also notes recent advancements in early warning systems by IGAD, yet stresses the necessity for effective communication to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. The findings underline the importance of implementing climate action strategies to safeguard the health and livelihoods of affected communities in the face of increasing climate-related threats.
In summary, the WWA study reveals critical insights regarding the heightened risks associated with extreme heat in South Sudan, particularly due to human-induced climate change. The adverse effects on women and children, disruptions in education, and worsening malnutrition underscore the pressing need for targeted climate adaptation strategies. As these extreme heat events become increasingly common, comprehensive planning and resilience measures are essential to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
