Kuwait is a land of superlatives when it comes to climate crisis. The tiny, wealthy nation nestled between Saudi Arabia and Iraq is one of the top oil producers in the world and has one the highest levels of emissions per capita.
The country emitted more CO2 in 2020 than it did in 2020. Our World in DataThe Democratic Republic of Congo, however, only managed 0.03 tons.
Global warming is also affecting Kuwait. A region in the northwest of Kuwait reached 54 degrees Celsius (127.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in 2016. This is the third-highest temperature recorded on Earth, and the highest in recent historical history. Last year, there were 19 days where temperatures soared to 50 degrees Celcius or higher, AccuWeather provides forecasts.
The country can become almost unlivable due to the heat waves and scorching heat. According to the Associated Press report, birds have been seen falling from the sky and seahorses are dying in the bay. Rising sea temperatures could also lead to the migration of maritime species to other areas, which could pose a threat to the local fish industry.
To escape the heat, pigeons seek refuge under trees along the Kuwait City’s seafront to get shade.
Exposed to scorching temperatures for long periods of time can lead to heat exhaustion, heart problems, or even death in humans.
Those who have the means can seek refuge from the scorching heat in malls and their air-conditioned offices or homes. Kuwait’s high use of fossil-fueled energy is one reason for its high need for artificial cooling. A 2020 StudyAir conditioning accounts for 67% of electricity consumed in homes. Another important factor is that electricity costs are heavily subsidised by the government so residents don’t have any incentive to reduce their consumption.
When it’s hot and humid, those who have the ability to seek refuge in air-conditioned homes, offices, or malls can do so.
Some people don’t have the luxury to escape indoors. Kuwait is home to a large number of migrants, about 70%. According to the International Organization for MigrationMany of them work outdoors in construction or agriculture, as well as delivery. A ScienceDirect studyResearchers found that nonkuwaiti males were more likely to die from heat stroke than local men.
Many migrants can’t escape the heat and don’t have the luxury or time to escape.
The country has also experienced more frequent dust storms, flooding, and rising levels. All of these are things that residents are paying attention to. According to a report from the London School of Economics.
Yet, many people aren’t aware of the root causes. The study found that older generations are more likely than others to dismiss climate issues as an act by God and to resist solutions like public transport.
Kuwait has been experiencing more frequent sand and dust storms.
This lack of urgency is alarming for environmentalists.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are oil-rich countries, have already committed to net-zero emissions over the next decade. Kuwait’s promise to reduce greenhouse emissions by 7.4% was made at the COP26 summit last year in Glasgow.
The nation is totally dependent on fossil fuels. By 2030, the demand for energy is expected to triple.
The Gulf nation is still entirely dependent on fossil fuels as its energy source. According to its Ministry of Electricity and Water however, the country’s energy needs will triple by 2030. One factor could be the country’s unsustainable electricity consumption, but also the fact the rising temperatures will drive more people to use indoor cooling.
Kuwait is at risk of not being able to sustain its own consumption by not diversifying its energy sources. It also risks making parts of the country uninhabitable.
If the country doesn’t act on climate change, it could be uninhabitable in future.
Edited By: Tamsin W. Walker