February's heat wave in South Sudan led to school closures as dozens of students suffered from heat-related illnesses. A report indicates that climate change has made such extreme heat events far more likely, raising concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations in a country already facing challenges from civil unrest and food insecurity.
Extreme Heat in South Sudan: A Climate Crisis Aggravated by Conflict
Extreme Heat in South Sudan: A Climate Crisis Aggravated by Conflict
A recent study reveals that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of heat waves in South Sudan, even as the nation grapples with the consequences of prolonged conflict and resource scarcity.
In February 2025, a severe heat wave in South Sudan prompted the closure of schools in the capital city, Juba, after numerous students were hospitalized due to heat stroke. This marked the second incident in less than a year necessitating school shutdowns aimed at protecting children from the dangerous impacts of extreme temperatures. According to a study conducted by World Weather Attribution, climate change—mainly driven by emissions from affluent nations—has heightened the likelihood of such heat waves, making them ten times more probable and increasing peak temperatures by approximately 2 degrees Celsius. The analysis recorded temperatures soaring above 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in the last week of February.
South Sudan, located in the East African tropical region, has endured significant turmoil due to a civil war which resulted in its independence from Sudan in 2011. Experts are emphasizing the disparity between emissions and effects; despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, the nation suffers disproportionately from climate change. Joyce Kimutai from Imperial College London's Center for Environmental Policy noted, "The continent has contributed a tiny fraction of global emissions, but is bearing the brunt of climate change."
Extreme heat is known to be one of the most lethal forms of extreme weather, and as recorded instances and severity of heat waves increase globally, many developing nations face a dire predicament. The methods used to analyze the correlation between heat exposure and mortality rates vary, often leading to underreported fatalities for such events. Children's health, elderly individuals, and expectant mothers are particularly threatened by prolonged periods of intense heat.
Currently, vast regions of Eastern Africa, including parts of Kenya and Uganda, are experiencing extreme temperatures, prompting advisories for residents to stay indoors and hydrate. However, the feasibility of such measures is limited in economies where outdoor labor is essential, access to clean drinking water is scarce, and electrical supplies are inconsistent, leaving many without air conditioning or adequate cooling solutions.
