In February, a severe heat wave in South Sudan’s capital caused many students to suffer from heat stroke, leading to the closure of schools for two weeks. This incident marks the second time in less than a year that schools have been shut due to the dangerous effects of extreme heat. According to a study by World Weather Attribution, climate change, primarily caused by fossil fuel combustion in developed countries, made the heat wave at least 10 times more likely and 2 degrees Celsius hotter. The analysis employed weather data, observations, and climate models to reach these conclusions, which are based on standardized methods.
South Sudan, situated in East Africa, achieved independence from Sudan in 2011 following a civil war. Despite being one of the countries least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, the nation is disproportionately affected by climate change. Many regions of the continent, like South Sudan, contribute only a small fraction of global emissions but are among the most impacted by climate change effects.
Heat waves are among the deadliest extreme weather events, and their frequency and severity are increasing with a warming planet. These events are particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and pregnant women. In recent weeks, extreme heat has affected a large region in Eastern Africa, including parts of Kenya and Uganda, with residents advised to stay indoors and hydrated—which is challenging in places where many are employed outdoors and have limited access to clean water and electricity for cooling.
In Juba, the capital and largest city of South Sudan, only 1% of the urban area is equipped with green spaces that could help mitigate the heat for those without home relief. Efforts to improve ventilation, plant trees, and paint buildings in lighter colors could help reduce high temperatures in classrooms. Adaptations to the school calendar and schedules can also minimize educational disruptions. Due to years of conflict and food insecurity, South Sudan remains vulnerable. A peace agreement ended a civil war in 2018, but ongoing tensions and political unrest continue.
“The sharp rise in temperatures makes life even more difficult for South Sudan, already burdened with economic hardships and unrest, where very few children complete primary school,” notes Dr. Guigma. As the global temperature continues to increase, similar extreme heat waves in February are expected to occur every 10 years, with the possibility of them becoming an annual occurrence if warming doubles by the end of the century. The heat is predicted to persist in the region through March.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/climate/sudan-heat-wave-climate-change.html
