When the temperature in Kuwait soars to 50 degrees Celsius, Ali Habib, a street vendor selling sunflower seeds, retreats to his car for relief. Spending 12 hours a day outside, he knows all too well the harshness of Kuwait’s summer heat. Located on the Persian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the country turns into a virtual oven during summer, with searing winds making it difficult to breathe and the heat quickly scorching skin and hair.
Kuwait’s extreme heat is a glimpse of what the future might hold as climate change renders parts of the world increasingly uninhabitable. A study in the Kuwait Times suggests that within 50 to 75 years, much of the country may become unsuitable for human habitation. In summer, wealthier residents rarely leave their air-conditioned homes, traveling only between air-conditioned malls and restaurants in air-conditioned cars.
Kuwait recorded one of the world’s highest temperatures, 53.9 degrees Celsius, at Mitribah in 2016, second only to Death Valley in California and Kebili in Tunisia. This year, temperatures exceeded 50 degrees as early as May. Malls have adapted by creating indoor walking lanes, offering a respite for those who need to exercise but cannot do so outdoors.
The intense heat is not just a human concern. Animals suffer too, with birds succumbing to heat exhaustion and fish struggling for oxygen in the overheated waters of Kuwait Bay. Even the resilient palm trees lining the roadsides are wilting.
The coastal humidity in Kuwait exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for the human body to cool down through sweating. Dr. Andrea Nakoinz of the German Alliance on Climate Change and Health explains that high humidity can make exposure to temperatures above 40 degrees for several hours potentially fatal, as sweat no longer evaporates efficiently to cool the skin.
While air conditioning offers temporary relief, it also poses health risks. Dry air from cooling systems can irritate airways, and the sudden transition from cool indoor environments to scorching outdoor heat can lead to circulatory problems, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Kuwait’s dependence on oil is a double-edged sword. The country’s vast reserves have fueled economic growth, but reliance on fossil fuels also contributes to the very climate crisis it faces. While Kuwait aims to achieve 15 percent renewable energy by 2030, the current contribution is less than one percent, according to the International Energy Agency.
Despite efforts to promote sustainable energy, Kuwait’s love affair with oil is evident. The nation boasts some of the cheapest gasoline in the Gulf, and many people leave their cars running to keep the air conditioning on while parked. The impact of climate change is felt most acutely by migrant workers, who make up about two-thirds of Kuwait’s population. These workers often endure hazardous conditions, mixing cement or laying pipes in temperatures that can reach 48 degrees Celsius. Although outdoor work is officially banned during peak heat hours, many still labor to earn a living.
As the climate crisis intensifies, Kuwait’s paradox of wealth and environmental vulnerability highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions. For now, the country remains a stark example of how extreme heat can alter daily life and threaten the health and well-being of its residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
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