Joseph Africano Bartel, Undersecretary - Ministry of Environment and Forestry speak during a press conference. (Photo: Charles Wote)

An official at the Ministry of Environment called on the public to embark on tree-planting campaign to conserve the environment and address adverse climatic conditions.

Joseph Africano Bartel said most parts of South Sudan are expected to experience changes in weather patterns including drought, high temperatures, heavy rains and flooding.

The country is currently experiencing excessive heatwaves which has promoted the government to close schools across the country.

“We are experiencing heatwave, and the next thing we will be having heavy rain, then flooding will also be there and also drought, so these impacts are going to be more pronounce,” Bartel said in a joint press conference on Saturday.

The environmentalist stressed that the biggest obligation to combat climate change lies with developed countries including China, US, India and Russia, whom he said have to cut their carbon emissions.

“We need to make sure that we plant many trees in our compounds so that we can have some microclimate, but the most important thing with climate change is that the responsibility lies with the developed countries. They have to cut their emissions. ”

Heat waves are becoming increasingly common across the world, as a result of climate change and other factors.

In 2022, temperatures soared across Europe and North America as wildfires stoked by the heat burned in many countries while others were hit by lengthy droughts.

The South Sudan government directed state authorities to enforce the closure of all schools with effective from Monday, 18th March, due to excessive heatwaves in the country.

According to the Ministry of Environment, South Sudan will continue to experience high temperature ranging between 41 to 45 degrees Celsius for the next two weeks.

Undersecretary Bartel also encouraged schools to install solar panels and fans to ventilate learning facilities.

“We need to make sure that schools have good ventilation. We have to install solar panels such that they will be able to have their fans working,” he said.

What to do during heatwave

During heatwave, it’s crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and stay safe. Here are some essential steps you should follow:

• Take cool showers or baths.
• Use cold packs and wraps, towels, sponging, and foot baths to keep cool.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothes of natural materials.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses if you go outside.
• Drink water to stay adequately hydrated.
• Keep yourself cool by using damp towels containing ice, putting your feet in cool water, and taking cool (not cold) showers.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping centre or public library.