Kuwait: City Literally Boiling Under Extreme Heat

Kuwait City is experiencing apocalyptic heat, with temperatures soaring to 54C in 2016, far exceeding recent European heatwaves. This extreme heat is making the city increasingly uninhabitable, with disturbing reports of birds falling from the sky and marine life succumbing to the boiling seas. The harsh conditions pose a serious threat to public health, especially for the large migrant worker population.

The intense summer heat necessitates adaptive measures, such as nighttime funerals, and drives innovation in infrastructure, with indoor cooling featuring prominently. Despite the challenges, life continues, with migrant workers forming the majority of the population, primarily employed in construction and domestic services. However, research highlights their heightened vulnerability to heat-related illnesses.

Kuwait's significant carbon footprint and modest emission reduction goals paint a grim environmental picture. Projections indicate a threefold surge in energy consumption by 2030, largely driven by air conditioning. Experts warn of severe future impacts, including floods, droughts, and coastal inundation, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.