Urgent Action Needed to Protect South Sudan’s Future Generation from Climate Change
By Binya Benson
As heat waves sweep across the globe, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly deadly for all. The impact on South Sudan’s next generation of human capital is particularly alarming, with school-going pupils and students braving scorching temperatures and skin-burning heat waves. Just as high temperatures can hamper productivity in the workplace, they also hinder the performance of pupils and students, thereby jeopardizing the quality of South Sudan’s future human capital.
It is imperative that the Government of South Sudan, together with its international allies, takes swift action to address this pressing issue. One effective policy solution could involve allocating sufficient funding to the education sector to ensure that all government and private schools are equipped with essential amenities. This includes installing air conditioning systems in all classrooms and lecture halls to create a conducive learning environment for pupils and students.
Moreover, providing breakfast and lunch to pupils can help keep them in school until later hours, when the intensity of the sun decreases. To enforce these measures effectively, it should be mandatory for school-going individuals to arrive at school by 6 AM and leave by 6 PM. Private schools must also adhere to these guidelines, with the government potentially subsidizing a portion of the expenses to prevent passing on the financial burden to students.
In addition to these steps, planting trees along main and feeder roads and ensuring that every household has at least one tree in their compound can contribute significantly to mitigating the effects of climate change.
By implementing these policies collectively, we can work together to combat the challenges posed by climate change and safeguard the well-being of South Sudan’s future generations. Let’s unite in our efforts to overcome climate change and build a sustainable future for all.
