Kuwait City, known as the hottest city globally, is witnessing catastrophic events reminiscent of ancient biblical times. Birds are falling from the sky, and fish are boiling alive in the sea in scenes that mirror apocalyptic descriptions.
Once celebrated as the “Marseilles of the Gulf” for its bustling fishing industry and lively coastline, the Middle Eastern hub is now grappling with scorching temperatures that surpass even the most severe heatwaves experienced in Europe.
During its prime, Kuwait City attracted sun-seeking visitors akin to Victorian beach resorts in Britain. However, while UK coastal destinations are adapting to modern trends like amusement arcades, Kuwait City is contending with an entirely different challenge – extreme heat.
On July 21, 2016, the Mitribah weather station in northern Kuwait recorded a staggering temperature of 54C (129F) – ranking as the third-highest temperature ever documented worldwide. In comparison, Europe’s intense Cerberus Heatwave of 2023 pales in comparison, with Kuwait experiencing temperatures soaring a significant 10C higher.
Projections indicate that temperatures in Kuwait will rise by 5.5C (10F) before the end of the century. This alarming trend underscores the global warming crisis, with Kuwait enduring over 19 days above 50C in 2021, a figure that is poised to be surpassed this year.
The cityscape, characterized by unyielding concrete and asphalt, is gradually transforming into an inhospitable environment. Venturing outdoors for extended periods during the summer poses genuine risks to health and safety.
Scientific evidence suggests that Kuwait, already experiencing reduced annual rainfall, is witnessing more frequent and intense dust storms as a result.
Reports have emerged of birds dropping dead from the sky and seahorses perishing in boiling waters. Even the most resilient pigeons are seeking shelter from the scorching sun’s intense rays.
Temperatures reaching 50C are not just uncomfortable but perilous, surpassing the human body temperature by 13C (55F) and posing severe health risks such as heat exhaustion, cardiovascular problems, and potentially fatal outcomes with prolonged exposure.
In response to the extreme heat, the Kuwaiti government has permitted funerals to be held at night this year. Many residents, if financially able, opt to stay indoors in air-conditioned homes, offices, or shopping malls to escape the oppressive heat.
The current conditions have spurred the development of innovative infrastructure in Kuwait. One notable example is an indoor shopping street adorned with palm trees and European-style stores, offering patrons respite from the harsh weather. A study conducted in 2020 revealed that a significant 67% of household electricity consumption is attributed to continuous air conditioning usage.
While Kuwait is praised for its modern, luxurious, and safe living conditions, the scorching climate poses a significant challenge, particularly from May to September when temperatures are exceptionally high. Despite the extreme heat, Kuwait’s streets remain vibrant with activity, largely driven by migrant workers who comprise around 70% of the population, mainly hailing from Arab nations, South, and Southeast Asia.
Recent research from the Institute of Physics highlights the heightened health risks migrant workers face due to extreme heat. Without climate change mitigation measures, heat-related deaths among Kuwait’s population could surge by 5.1% to 11.7% by the end of the century, with non-Kuwaiti residents potentially facing a 15% increase in mortality rates.
While environmental warnings are often disregarded, in Kuwait’s case, the impact of global warming is glaringly evident. The country boasts a substantial carbon footprint, ranking only behind Bahrain and Qatar. Kuwait lags behind regional peers in climate action, aiming to reduce emissions by a modest 7.4% by 2035 at COP26.
Energy consumption is forecasted to triple by 2030, primarily driven by the escalating use of air conditioning units. With the government heavily subsidizing electricity and water costs, residents have little incentive to conserve resources, perpetuating a cycle of high consumption.
Environmental specialist Salman Zafar paints a grim future for Kuwait, warning of potential consequences of global warming, including floods, droughts, aquifer depletion, coastal inundation, frequent sandstorms, biodiversity loss, ecosystem damage, agricultural threats, and disease outbreaks.