Kuwait City: Battling Extreme Heat and Climate Change Challenges
Kuwait City, noted as the world’s hottest city, faces extreme heat conditions leading to dire consequences such as birds falling from the sky and fish boiling in the waters. The government’s decision to allow nighttime funerals highlights the severity of the situation. With a populace heavily reliant on air conditioning and a high percentage of migrant workers, the effects of climate change become increasingly evident. Experts warn of significant future impacts, urging immediate action to address these challenges.
Kuwait City, dubbed the world’s hottest city, has been experiencing extreme heat conditions that adversely impact its once-thriving fishing industry and recreational beaches. With temperatures soaring to levels that surpass many heatwaves observed in Europe, Kuwait is now witnessing alarming phenomena such as birds falling from the sky and fish being boiled alive due to soaring water temperatures. The city, once likened to the ‘Marseilles of the Gulf’, has transformed dramatically with rising heat levels leading to a drop in outdoor activity and the urban landscape becoming increasingly inhospitable.
On July 21, 2016, the Mitribah weather station recorded a staggering temperature of 54°C (129°F), marking one of the highest temperatures globally. As projections indicate that temperatures may increase by 5.5°C (10°F) by the end of the century, Kuwait has reported over 19 days of temperatures exceeding 50°C in 2021, a record that may surpass this year. The harsh climate exacerbates health risks, as exposure to such extreme heat can lead to severe health complications including heat exhaustion and even death.
Consequently, the Kuwaiti government has taken unprecedented steps such as permitting funerals at night to cope with the soaring temperatures. The majority of residents, particularly those who can afford it, prefer to remain indoors in air-conditioned environments. This push for comfort has led to innovative infrastructure initiatives, like a curated indoor shopping street that offers an escape from the relentless heat.
In terms of demographics, Kuwait’s population is significantly influenced by migrant workers, accounting for approximately 70% of the inhabitants. These laborers, who predominantly stem from various Arab countries and regions in South and Southeast Asia, often work in exhausting conditions. Research indicates these individuals are particularly vulnerable to health complications from the extreme climate, with predictions suggesting significant increases in heat-related mortality rates among the migrant population due to climate change.
Despite Kuwait’s substantial carbon footprint, it lags behind neighboring nations in taking proactive climate action, with a modest emission reduction target of 7.4% by 2035. As energy demand is expected to triple due to reliance on air conditioning, the current subsidy system for electricity and water contributes to a culture of high consumption without incentives for conservation. Environmental experts warn that Kuwait may face dire consequences from global warming, such as floods, water shortages, and significant threats to the local ecosystem, making it essential for the country to reassess its environmental strategies.
Kuwait City, grappling with extreme heat, showcases the alarming impacts of climate change particularly evident in its rising temperatures and hazardous living conditions. The excessive reliance on air conditioning, coupled with a high population of vulnerable migrant workers, necessitates urgent attention to environmental policies and health safeguards. Without significant alterations in energy consumption and climate commitments, Kuwait faces a precarious future marked by the threats of global warming.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
