The small enclave abutting the Mediterranean Sea, Gaza, is already struggling with a myriad of problems, including the long-standing Israeli blockade, political instability, and a battered economy. A recent humanitarian crisis triggered by a deadly heat wave gives a shocking glimpse into how climate change is worsening the plight of those living there. The heatwave, characterized by sweltering temperatures, has further complicated the living conditions in Palestine’s already beleaguered Gaza Strip, persevering evidence suggests that climate change is at the heart of this exacerbating crisis.
The debilitating heatwave that swept over Gaza did not occur in a vacuum. It is part of a consistent pattern of extreme weather events occurring across the globe, driven by climate change. Escalating greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, mainly from burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are elevating global temperatures. Breed part of this global warming, Gaza’s average temperatures have risen considerably in the past few decades.
Higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and extended periods of drought, all hallmarks of climate change, have disastrous consequences for Gaza – one of the most densely populated areas on the planet. It worsened Gaza’s ongoing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) crisis. With a failing infrastructure unable to cope with the soaring temperatures and increased demand for water, Gaza inhabitants, already grappling with acute water scarcity, found themselves facing worsening water shortages.
One of the most pressing concerns of this heatwave was the exacerbation of Gaza’s precarious health situation. The healthcare system in the Strip, already overextended due to a combination of factors including COVID-19, found itself grappling with the double burden. The high temperature was a catalyst for the spread of heat-related illnesses among the population, such as heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular diseases. The already strained hospitals and clinics struggled to provide adequate care and treatment for the increased number of patients.
Moreover, the searing temperatures took a toll on Gaza’s economy as well. The heatwave, coupled with the lack of a reliable power supply, led to widespread spoilage of perishable food products. Farming, a significant source of livelihood for many in Gaza, also suffered with withered crops and dying livestock.
Climate change’s role in this crisis highlights the pressing need for meaningful climate action. Unfortunately, due to political turmoil and economic instability, Gaza’s ability to adapt to shifting weather patterns remained minimal. Rich countries need to step up commitments towards funding climate change adaptation measures, especially for vulnerable regions like Gaza
