Kuwait City: The Scorching Reality of the World’s Hottest City

Kuwait City has become the hottest city globally, witnessing extreme conditions such as birds falling from the sky and fish boiling in the water. With record temperatures reaching 54°C, health risks have soared, prompting extreme measures like night funerals. This situation is exacerbated by a high reliance on air conditioning amid diminishing rainfall, posing serious long-term ramifications for the population and environment.

Kuwait City, recognized as the world’s hottest city, has witnessed alarming phenomena reminiscent of biblical accounts, where birds literally drop from the sky and fish suffer in boiling waters. Once celebrated as the “Marseilles of the Gulf” for its vibrant fishing industry and inviting beaches, the city now endures extreme temperatures, making its previous allure virtually uninhabitable.

On July 21, 2016, Kuwait recorded a temperature of 54°C (129°F) at the Mitribah weather station, marking the third-highest temperature globally. The Cerberus Heatwave of 2023 in Europe did not significantly impact Kuwait, which experienced temperatures exceeding European highs by 10°C. Current projections indicate temperature increases of 5.5°C (10°F) by the end of this century and record-setting days with temperatures surpassing 50°C are anticipated.

Kuwait’s urban landscape, predominantly composed of concrete and asphalt, is increasingly hazardous during summer months. Reports of declining rainfall and escalating dust storms exacerbate the harsh climate. Shocking instances of birds succumbing to extreme temperatures and seahorses boiling in the bay underscored the severity of the heat, even affecting hardy species such as pigeons.

Temperatures around 50°C present not only discomfort but severe health risks, including heat exhaustion and cardiovascular complications. In response to these conditions, the Kuwaiti government has instituted night-time funerals to accommodate the extreme heat. Many residents now prefer the respite of air-conditioned environments, opting to remain indoors during daytime hours.

Innovative solutions to combat the heat include the creation of an indoor shopping district featuring palm trees and European-style storefronts, providing a cool alternative for consumers. A study revealed that a substantial 67% of residential electricity consumption in Kuwait is devoted to air conditioning, reflecting the reliance on temperature control.

Despite the unbearable heat, Kuwait’s streets remain busy, largely populated by migrant laborers—constituting approximately 70% of the populace—who come primarily from Arab nations and South Asia, seeking employment in construction and service industries. Research indicates that these workers are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health complications, with projections suggesting significant increases in mortality rates due to climate change.

Kuwait’s enormous carbon footprint is a pressing concern, with the state ranking just below Bahrain and Qatar in emissions. Its commitment to climate action lags behind neighboring countries, aiming for a mere 7.4% reduction in emissions by 2035. However, energy demands are set to triple by 2030, primarily due to air conditioning, incentivized by heavy government subsidies on electricity and water.

Environmental expert Salman Zafar emphasizes the potential consequences of climate change in Kuwait, predicting risks such as flooding, droughts, aquifer depletion, coastal inundation, increased sandstorms, loss of biodiversity, and threats to agricultural productivity.

In conclusion, Kuwait City faces severe challenges due to extreme heat, a consequence of climate change that affects its once-flourishing environment and populace. As temperatures continue to rise, the impacts on health, infrastructure, and the economy become increasingly dire. Without robust climate action and a shift in energy consumption practices, Kuwait’s future may involve profound ecological and societal transformations.

Original Source: www.mirror.co.uk