Women and girls in South Sudan are experiencing increased health risks and inequality due to climate change-related heatwaves. Recently published research highlights extreme temperatures causing health crises and education disruptions. The study calls for infrastructure improvements and changes in school scheduling to mitigate these impacts. Without swift action to reduce emissions, the frequency of dangerous heat events is expected to rise dramatically.
Recent research indicates that women and girls in South Sudan are disproportionately affected by a climate-fueled heatwave, amplifying existing health risks and inequality in a nation beset by conflict. The World Weather Attribution group reports that February’s extreme heat, intensified by climate change, was nearly ten times more likely and 2 degrees Celsius hotter due to human actions. The resultant heat has led to numerous heat-related illnesses and school closures, impacting education significantly.
The findings are particularly alarming given the unusual timing of these heat spells, with temperatures rising earlier than typical for the season. Schools in South Sudan are often inadequately equipped, resulting in extremely hot environments that exacerbate the risks for students. Researchers point out that women and girls suffer more from these closures, as schooling disruptions hinder educational opportunities, especially for girls, who may face greater challenges in returning to school.
The analysis emphasizes that conventional gender roles, combined with economic constraints, render women particularly vulnerable during these extreme weather events. Women typically manage household duties and care for children, often exposing them to dangerously high temperatures. Solutions highlighted by experts include improving school infrastructure, enhancing ventilation, and adjusting academic schedules to mitigate the heat’s impact on education.
The troubling reality extends to maternal health, as rising temperatures are linked to increased rates of miscarriages and stillbirths in South Sudan, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. The study’s author noted that existing social inequities compound the negative effects of climate change on women and girls, intensifying their burdens of caregiving and access to vital resources.
The researchers also project that heatwaves exceeding 40 degrees Celsius will become the norm without swift action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is stated that with current warming trends, such heat events may soon occur annually, posing significant challenges for all, particularly marginalized women.
In conclusion, the ongoing climate crisis exacerbates gender inequalities in South Sudan, with women facing heightened health risks and education barriers during extreme heat events. Researchers emphasize the need for improved infrastructure and strategic plans to reduce vulnerability. Without immediate changes to reduce carbon emissions, the future could see continual and intensified challenges for women in this region. Advocating for actions that address these disparities while combating climate change is of utmost importance.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
