Here’s a quick look at important climate news from the past week, including a study that shows how women in South Sudan are particularly impacted by a recent heatwave.
Last month, South Sudan faced a severe heatwave that caused many students to collapse from heatstroke. In response, schools closed for two weeks. This is a big deal in a country where over 2.8 million children are already out of school. According to the World Weather Attribution, the heatwave hit women hardest, particularly as school closures may push girls into household duties, like fetching water and cooking, instead of learning.
For pregnant women, the intense heat increases the risk of severe complications, such as miscarriages. In South Sudan, maternal health is already a major concern; with 1,223 deaths per 100,000 births, this heat adds another layer of urgency to the ongoing crisis.
Researchers estimate that climate change has made such severe heat events at least ten times more likely, and this particular wave was around 2 degrees Celsius hotter than it would have been in a stable climate.
Moving beyond South Sudan, February 2024 has been marked as the third warmest February on record. The average global temperature was 1.59 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Climate expert Zeke Hausfather noted that this is the first time since June 2023 that a month hasn’t ranked as the hottest or second hottest. The continuation of high temperatures after a record-breaking January has surprised many scientists, although they suspect a shift to cooler conditions may be beginning.
This current warm phase comes after the extreme conditions of El Niño, which has driven temperatures to unprecedented levels in the past two years. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has shared that the La Niña event, which typically cools sea surfaces, might end soon, with a 60% chance of that happening by May 2025.
Lastly, in an initiative to support environmental efforts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its “Blue Visa” program. This new residency visa will last ten years and is aimed at individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability. The first phase will issue 20 permits to leaders in various fields, including architecture and wildlife conservation.
This week’s climate news highlights the immediate and far-reaching effects of climate change. From educational setbacks for girls in South Sudan to global temperature records, the impact is urgent and clear.
