Kuwait City: The Extreme Heat and Its Impact on Life

Kuwait City, identified as the world’s hottest city, suffers from extreme heat leading to birds falling from the sky and fish boiling. Historical attractions have turned perilous due to soaring temperatures, which have surpassed European heatwaves. The increasing heat poses serious health risks, prompting night-time funerals. The significant migrant population adds complexity to the climate situation, indicating urgent action is needed against climate change.

Kuwait City, identified as the “world’s hottest city,” has experienced extreme weather phenomena, including birds falling from the sky and fish boiling in coastal waters. Once referred to as the “Marseilles of the Gulf” for its thriving fishing industry and inviting beaches, the city now suffers from intense heat that surpasses European heatwaves by notable margins.

Historically, Kuwait City attracted sun-seekers akin to British seaside resorts. However, this appeal has diminished as temperatures have soared relentlessly. On July 21, 2016, the Mitribah weather station recorded a staggering 54°C (129°F), the third-highest temperature globally. The Cerberus Heatwave of 2023 in Europe paled in comparison to Kuwait’s elevated summer temperatures.

Forecasts predict a further increase of 5.5°C (10°F) by the century’s close, with 2021 recording over 19 days exceeding 50°C. These conditions are proving detrimental to public safety, as outdoor temperatures become perilous during peak sun hours. Concurrently, the city is experiencing diminished rainfall and an uptick in severe dust storms.

Disturbing reports indicate the mass death of birds and marine life, compounded by temperatures exceeding 50°C that pose serious health risks such as heat exhaustion and heart failure. To cope with the climate, the Kuwaiti government has started allowing night-time funerals due to the extreme heat.

Citizens are increasingly confined to air-conditioned environments, leading to innovative architectural solutions like a climate-controlled shopping street. A 2020 study highlighted that around 67% of household electricity is consumed by air conditioning.

Despite the oppressive heat, Kuwait’s streets remain animated, largely due to a significant migrant workforce representing about 70% of the population. This demographic is heavily involved in construction and domestic services. Research from the Institute of Physics suggests that climate change could increase heat-related deaths by up to 15% among non-Kuwaitis in the coming decades.

Kuwait’s substantial carbon footprint is a pressing environmental concern, ranking just below Qatar and Bahrain. The country has committed modestly to reducing emissions by 7.4% by 2035, despite projected increases in energy demand driven primarily by air conditioning use. Furthermore, generous subsidies for electricity and water dissuade conservation efforts.

Salman Zafar, an environmental expert, offers a grim forecast for Kuwait, highlighting threats from flooding, droughts, aquifer depletion, and biodiversity loss. The urgent need for comprehensive climate action is made clear amidst these alarming environmental changes.

In summary, Kuwait City exemplifies the extreme repercussions of climate change, with soaring temperatures adversely impacting both the environment and public health. The city’s history as a coastal attraction has dwindled dramatically due to unbearable heat, as demonstrated by alarming phenomena like wildlife mortality. A substantial migrant workforce exacerbates the effects of climate change, while insufficient climate action raises concerns about the sustainability of life in this region. Overall, the dire situation calls for urgent environmental reforms and comprehensive strategies to combat the ongoing impacts of global warming.

Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk