Kuwait City, previously known as the picturesque “Marseilles of the Gulf,” is currently experiencing extreme heat that is causing wildlife to suffer fatal consequences.
The city in the Middle East serves as a stark example of the devastating effects of climate change, with birds dropping dead from the scorching skies and fish boiling in the sea. Once a bustling hub with a flourishing fishing industry and pristine beaches attracting tourists, Kuwait City now faces the troubling reality of potentially becoming uninhabitable due to high temperatures.
Recording a staggering 54C (129F) at the Mitribah weather station on July 21, 2016, Kuwait ranked as the third hottest place globally. Even Europe’s Cerberus Heatwave appears mild in comparison, falling short by 10 degrees Celsius. Climate experts are alarmed by projections indicating a potential temperature increase of up to 5.5C (10F) by the end of the century compared to levels in the early 2000s. In 2023, temperatures soared above 50C (122F) on 19 days, signaling a worrying trend.
The expansion of urban areas has transformed Kuwait City into a scorching landscape of concrete and asphalt, turning it into an inhospitable environment during the summer months. Additionally, decreasing rainfall has led to severe dust storms sweeping across the increasingly arid country.
The oppressive heatwave has led to distressing sights, with birds falling lifeless from the sky and seahorses literally being boiled alive in the bay. Even resilient pigeons are seeking shade from the relentless sun as temperatures reach a dangerous 50C, significantly higher than the normal human body temperature, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses.
To cope with the extreme conditions, Kuwait has permitted nighttime burials due to the intense heat, while the affluent seek refuge in climate-controlled environments, whether at home, work, or shopping malls. The harsh weather has spurred the construction of innovative buildings like an indoor shopping street, offering a sanctuary from the harsh climate.
A study in 2020 revealed that a substantial portion of household electricity consumption in Kuwait is attributed to running air conditioning units continuously. Despite the scorching temperatures, the streets remain bustling, filled with migrant workers, who make up around 70% of the population, primarily from Arab, South, and South East Asian countries, engaged in various sectors.
Research from 2023 by the Institute of Physics highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers to extreme temperatures, projecting a potential increase in heat-related deaths due to climate change. With Kuwait’s significant carbon footprint, the nation lags behind its neighbors in emission reduction efforts. At COP26, Kuwait pledged a modest 7.4% reduction in emissions by 2035.
Government officials anticipate a tripling of energy demand by 2030, mainly driven by the anticipated surge in indoor cooling system usage. Subsidized electricity costs have limited incentives for residents to curb energy consumption, leading to a similar trend in water usage due to energy-intensive production methods.
Environmental specialist Salman Zafar warned of the severe consequences of climate change for Kuwait, including floods, droughts, aquifer depletion, coastal inundation, sandstorms, biodiversity loss, ecosystem damage, agricultural threats, and disease outbreaks.