The hottest cities in the world are known for their Old Testament-like events, including fish boiling in the ocean caused by 54C weather. Kuwait was once known as “Marseille of the Bay” because of its prosperous fishing and bustling beaches. But now we're experiencing a swelling heat that makes even Europe's hottest heat waves look cool.
In 2016, North Kuwait weather stations recorded a temperature of 54C, the third highest reading in the world. In comparison, the 2023 Cerberus Heatwave in Europe had a high of 47C in Italy. The projection shows an increase of nearly 6c by the end of the century. In 2021, Kuwait had a fever of over 50c over 19 days. This is an incredible statistic that threatens to go up this year. Built primarily of harsh concrete, Kuwait city is gradually getting too hot for safe housing. During the summer, outdoors can be dangerous for most of the day.
Scientific evidence also shows that already arid countries have lower rainfall each year, leading to more frequent and severe sandstorms.
There was a surprising description of a bird dead from the sky, a seahorse boiling alive in the bay. Even the harshest pigeons are searching for shelter from the strength of the sun.
Temperatures above 50c are dangerous. 13c, which exceeds body temperature, can lead to serious health complications such as thermal fatigue, heart problems and even death.
A 2020 survey showed that two-thirds (67%) of domestic household electricity consumption comes from continuous operating air conditioning units.
The study predicts that if climate change is unidentified, the incidence of heat-related mortality could increase by 5.1% to 11.7% across Kuwait residents by the end of this century, and could rise by up to 15% among non-Kuwait populations.
In Kuwait, the impact of global warming is clearly evident – the nation maintains huge carbon footprints above only by Bahrain and Qatar.
Kuwait has lagged behind its neighbours in its climate commitment and has announced a modest target at COP26 to reduce emissions by 7.4% by 2035.
Nevertheless, Kuwait officials estimate that energy demand is expected to triple by 2030, mainly due to increased use of air conditioners.
There is little incentive for consumers to save money by subsidizing many of the costs of electricity and water. This generous subsidy system ranges from energy-intensive desalination to water fed.
Environmental expert Salman Zafar emphasizes the harsh reality. “Kuwait could potentially face serious impacts of global warming in the form of floods, droughts, aquifer depletion, coastal areas, frequent sandstorms, loss of biodiversity, serious damage to ecosystems, threats to agricultural production, agriculture and threats to Dizzarz.”
