Kuwait City, known as the world’s hottest urban center, is facing dramatic scenes reminiscent of ancient times, with birds falling from the sky and fish boiling in the sea. Once renowned for its bustling fishing industry and lively coastal areas, the city now grapples with scorching temperatures that surpass even the most extreme heatwaves in Europe.
In its prime, Kuwait City attracted sun-seeking visitors akin to Victorian seaside resorts in Britain. While coastal destinations in the UK adapt to modern trends, Kuwait City contends with an entirely different challenge – extreme and oppressive heat.
On July 21, 2016, the Mitribah weather station in northern Kuwait recorded a staggering temperature of 54C (129F), ranking as the third-highest globally. The intense heatwave in Europe in 2023 pales in comparison, with Kuwait experiencing temperatures soaring 10C higher.
Projections indicate a further increase of 5.5C (10F) in temperatures before the end of the century, underscoring the escalating global warming crisis. In 2021, Kuwait endured over 19 days with temperatures exceeding 50C, a record likely to be surpassed this year.
The city’s landscape, characterized by unyielding concrete and asphalt, is gradually becoming uninhabitable. Venturing outdoors during summer poses significant risks due to the extreme heat. Furthermore, dwindling annual rainfall has led to more frequent and severe dust storms in the already arid nation.
Reports have emerged of birds dropping dead from the sky and seahorses being cooked alive in the bay, highlighting the dire consequences of the soaring temperatures. Even resilient pigeons seek shelter from the scorching sun.
Temperatures reaching 50C not only cause discomfort but also pose serious health hazards, including heat exhaustion, heart complications, and potential fatalities with prolonged exposure.
Responding to the extreme conditions, the Kuwaiti government has permitted nighttime funerals this year due to the excessive heat. Many residents opt to remain indoors in air-conditioned environments to escape the unforgiving climate.
The challenging circumstances have spurred the development of advanced infrastructure, such as indoor shopping areas featuring palm trees and European-style shops, providing a reprieve from the harsh weather. A significant portion of household electricity usage, around 67%, is attributed to continuous air conditioning operation.
Despite the harsh climate, Kuwait remains bustling with activity, primarily fueled by migrant workers comprising approximately 70% of the population. These workers, attracted by the kafala system, mainly engage in construction and domestic services, contributing to the vibrant street life of the capital.
Recent research highlights the heightened health risks faced by migrant workers due to extreme heat, projecting a potential increase in heat-related deaths among the population by the end of the century.
Kuwait’s substantial carbon footprint, ranking only behind Bahrain and Qatar in the region, underscores the urgent need for climate action. Although Kuwait has set a modest target to reduce emissions by 7.4% by 2035 at COP26, energy consumption is expected to triple by 2030, primarily driven by the escalating use of air conditioning.
With the state heavily subsidizing electricity and water expenses, residents lack incentives to conserve resources. This subsidy system also encompasses water production through energy-intensive desalination plants.
Environmental expert Salman Zafar warns of severe repercussions from global warming, including floods, droughts, coastal inundation, sandstorms, biodiversity loss, ecosystem damage, agricultural threats, and disease outbreaks, awaiting Kuwait in the future.
