Kuwait City, famed as the world’s hottest city, faces extreme heat leading to dire health risks and alarming wildlife incidents. Once a bustling coastal hub, it now struggles with rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and dust storms. The heavy reliance on air conditioning and slow climate action further complicate the situation, necessitating urgent measures to address global warming’s impacts on this vulnerable region.
Kuwait City, recognized as the world’s hottest city, has experienced increasingly severe climatic conditions, leading to alarming phenomena. Once celebrated for its fishing industry and popular beaches that attracted sunbathers, it now endures extreme heat where birds fall and fish boil. On July 21, 2016, temperatures reached a staggering 54°C (129°F), making Kuwait’s heatwaves notably more intense than those in Europe.
Projected temperature increases of 5.5°C (10°F) by century’s end are concerning, especially as Kuwait witnessed over 19 days of temperature surpassing 50°C in 2021. The concrete-laden metropolis is becoming uninhabitable during the summers, compelling many to stay indoors. Annual rainfall is diminishing further, resulting in frequent dust storms and dire consequences for local wildlife.
The heat poses severe health risks, with temperatures soaring 13°C (55°F) above the human body temperature. The Kuwaiti government has even allowed night funerals due to extreme heat conditions. Many residents opt to remain in air-conditioned spaces, leading to developments of futuristic infrastructures, such as an indoor shopping street that provides refuge from the scorching weather.
According to a study, 67% of household electricity in Kuwait is consumed by air conditioning, reflecting the extreme reliance on climate control. A report from ExpatsExchange highlighted the paradox of Kuwait’s lifestyle, describing it as “modern, luxurious and safe,” while warning about the extreme summer conditions.
The demographic makeup greatly influences daily life, with about 70% being migrant workers predominantly from neighboring Arab countries and parts of South and Southeast Asia. Recent research has shown that these laborers are highly susceptible to health complications due to extreme temperatures. Predictions by the Institute of Physics suggest an alarming increase in heat-related fatalities among Kuwait’s population by century’s end.
Despite the alarming realities of climate change, Kuwait’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions remains modest at 7.4% by 2035. Energy demands are forecasted to triple by 2030, largely due to air conditioning usage, making it imperative for citizens to conserve energy. The government’s subsidy system for electricity and water discourages conservation efforts despite the increasing environmental threats.
Environmental expert Salman Zafar summarized the seriousness of the situation, indicating severe consequences of global warming in Kuwait, including floods, droughts, aquifer depletion, and other ecological vulnerabilities. The urgency to address climate change is evident as conditions continue to deteriorate in this Middle Eastern nation.
In summary, Kuwait City, identified as the world’s hottest city, faces significant climate challenges evidenced by extreme temperatures, health risks, and ecological degradation. The once-thriving coastal city now grapples with conditions that threaten both human health and the environment. The reliance on air conditioning, coupled with insufficient climate commitments, places the region in a precarious situation, necessitating urgent action to mitigate the ramifications of global warming and protect its populace.
Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk
