Kuwait is experiencing extreme heat conditions that have led to a lifestyle where 'the outdoors doesn’t exist.' With temperatures soaring to 50 degrees Celsius, residents have adapted by seeking refuge in air-conditioned malls, where activities like jogging have become commonplace. The record high of 53.9 degrees Celsius was noted in 2016 at Mitribah, marking it as the third-highest temperature globally [4caa0d59].
The rising temperatures pose severe risks not only to the general population but particularly to migrant workers who face extreme heat exposure. To mitigate these risks, the Kuwaiti government has implemented a ban on outdoor work from 11 AM to 4 PM during the summer months [4caa0d59]. Dr. Andrea Nakoinz has raised concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged heat exposure, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures [4caa0d59].
Looking ahead, climate scientists warn that parts of Kuwait may become uninhabitable within the next 50 to 75 years due to the relentless rise in temperatures. This alarming forecast underscores the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, with Kuwait aiming for 15% renewable energy by 2030, although it currently stands at a mere 0.2% [4caa0d59]. The country's economy, heavily reliant on oil discovered in 1938, continues to thrive despite the environmental challenges, with petrol prices around US$0.34 per litre [4caa0d59].
As Kuwait navigates these extreme heat conditions, the lifestyle of its residents is being reshaped, highlighting the broader implications of climate change on daily life and health in the region [4caa0d59].