Harsh Realities of Life in Kuwait City Amid Extreme Heat Conditions
Kuwait City is recognized as the hottest city globally, with concerning temperatures leading to extreme conditions such as birds falling and fish boiling. The city’s fishing and coastal industry has been severely impacted, reflecting broader climate challenges. The increasing heat poses health risks, prompting government adaptations, including nighttime funerals, while also revealing the vulnerability of migrant workers. Additionally, the country’s carbon emissions and climate commitments lag behind other nations, contributing to environmental concerns.
Kuwait City has earned the title of the world’s hottest city, with extreme temperatures leading to alarming conditions such as birds falling from the sky and fish boiling in the sea. Once referred to as the “Marseilles of the Gulf” for its thriving fishing industry and coastal attractions, the city now experiences heat that surpasses even the most intense summer heatwaves in Europe.
On July 21, 2016, Kuwait recorded a temperature of 54°C (129°F) at the Mitribah weather station, representing the third-highest temperature documented globally. This year, the Cerberus Heatwave has seen European countries struggling with temperatures ten degrees lower than those experienced in Kuwait.
Climate projections indicate an increase in average temperatures by 5.5°C (10°F) by the end of the century, and the region has already seen over 19 days of temperatures exceeding 50°C in 2021, a statistic expected to be surpassed. These extreme conditions make outdoor life perilous and exacerbate Kuwait’s already arid climate, resulting in less annual rainfall and more frequent dust storms.
Reports of birds dropping from the sky and marine life suffering due to intense heat illustrate the severity of the situation. Temperatures exceeding 50°C create health hazards, leading to conditions like heat exhaustion. The Kuwaiti government has taken steps to address these extreme temperatures; nighttime funerals have been permitted, reflecting the current living conditions that force residents indoors.
To adapt, Kuwait is investing in advanced infrastructure such as indoor shopping complexes that offer relief from the scorching heat. A report indicated that approximately 67% of household electricity is consumed by air conditioning units to maintain comfort indoors.
Despite the extreme climate, life continues in Kuwait City, shaped predominantly by a migrant workforce that constitutes around 70% of the population, often employed in construction and service industries. However, recent data suggests that these workers are particularly vulnerable to health issues due to extreme weather.
The Institute of Physics has highlighted the prediction that heat-related mortality rates may rise significantly, especially among non-Kuwaitis. Climate change effects are visibly manifesting in Kuwait, as evidenced by increasing carbon emissions and a lack of substantial climate commitments compared to neighboring nations.
Kuwait aims for a modest 7.4% reduction in emissions by 2035, yet energy demands are expected to surge by 2030 due to increased air conditioning use. The government heavily subsidizes electricity and water costs, which discourages conservation efforts and strains natural resources. Environmental expert Salman Zafar emphasized the dire predictions, indicating that Kuwait faces potential global warming impacts such as floods, droughts, and biodiversity loss.
Kuwait City represents a striking case of extreme climate impacts, with soaring temperatures affecting residents and local wildlife. The adaptation strategies the government and citizens employ highlight the urgent need for addressing climate change. As the situation evolves, understanding and managing these climate-related challenges will be critical for maintaining safety and quality of life in this harsh environment.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
