A recent climate study shows that a heat wave in South Sudan was intensified by climate change, leading to dangerous conditions and school closures. The investigation highlights the disproportionate effects of global warming on vulnerable regions.
South Sudan's Scorching February Heat Wave Linked to Climate Change
South Sudan's Scorching February Heat Wave Linked to Climate Change
New study reveals climate change made South Sudan's recent extreme heat wave significantly more likely and severe, exacerbated by ongoing instability in the region.
In February 2025, a severe heat wave swept through South Sudan's capital, Juba, causing numerous students to collapse due to heat stroke, prompting officials to shut down schools for two weeks. This marked the second occasion within a year that educational institutions were forced to close in response to harsh heat conditions.
According to a new study conducted by World Weather Attribution, climate change—primarily driven by fossil fuel emissions from wealthier nations—rendered the recent heat wave at least 10 times more likely, raising temperatures by approximately 2 degrees Celsius. In the last week of February, temperatures in South Sudan soared above 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain areas.
The analysis employed data from weather reports, observations, and climate modeling to draw its conclusions. Although the findings have not yet undergone peer review, they are founded on established methodologies. Joyce Kimutai, a researcher from Imperial College London, emphasized that while Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, its countries are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.
Heat waves are considered some of the most lethal extreme weather events and have been increasingly frequent and severe as global temperatures rise. Moreover, the methods used to assess the relationship between heat exposure and mortality can differ among countries, leading to underreported death tolls that often take months to fully ascertain.
Prolonged high temperatures pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women. The heatwave's impact extended beyond South Sudan, as large parts of Eastern Africa, including regions of Kenya and Uganda, also endured extreme conditions. Local residents were advised to stay indoors and remain hydrated—a challenge in areas where outdoor work is commonplace, electricity is intermittent, access to clean water is a struggle, and limited housing means cooling measures are scarce.
According to a new study conducted by World Weather Attribution, climate change—primarily driven by fossil fuel emissions from wealthier nations—rendered the recent heat wave at least 10 times more likely, raising temperatures by approximately 2 degrees Celsius. In the last week of February, temperatures in South Sudan soared above 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain areas.
The analysis employed data from weather reports, observations, and climate modeling to draw its conclusions. Although the findings have not yet undergone peer review, they are founded on established methodologies. Joyce Kimutai, a researcher from Imperial College London, emphasized that while Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, its countries are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.
Heat waves are considered some of the most lethal extreme weather events and have been increasingly frequent and severe as global temperatures rise. Moreover, the methods used to assess the relationship between heat exposure and mortality can differ among countries, leading to underreported death tolls that often take months to fully ascertain.
Prolonged high temperatures pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women. The heatwave's impact extended beyond South Sudan, as large parts of Eastern Africa, including regions of Kenya and Uganda, also endured extreme conditions. Local residents were advised to stay indoors and remain hydrated—a challenge in areas where outdoor work is commonplace, electricity is intermittent, access to clean water is a struggle, and limited housing means cooling measures are scarce.
