Kuwait City, known as the world’s hottest city, is facing catastrophic events reminiscent of ancient times, with birds falling from the sky and fish boiling in the sea. Once celebrated for its bustling fishing industry and lively coastline, this Middle Eastern metropolis now grapples with scorching temperatures that surpass even the most extreme heatwaves in Europe.
In its prime, Kuwait City attracted sun-seekers akin to Victorian seaside resorts in Britain. However, while UK coastal towns adapt to modern trends, Kuwait City contends with an unparalleled challenge – extreme heat. On July 21, 2016, the Mitribah weather station in northern Kuwait recorded a record-breaking 54C (129F) temperature, ranking as the world’s third-highest ever recorded. Comparatively, Europe’s intense heatwave of 2023 pales in comparison, with Kuwait experiencing temperatures 10C higher.
Projections indicate a further 5.5C (10F) temperature increase by the end of the century. Reflecting the global warming crisis, Kuwait endured over 19 days above 50C in 2021, a statistic likely to be surpassed this year. The city’s landscape, dominated by unyielding concrete and asphalt, is gradually becoming uninhabitable, posing significant risks to those venturing outdoors during the summer months.
Recent scientific findings highlight Kuwait’s diminishing annual rainfall, leading to more frequent and intense dust storms. Reports describe birds dropping dead from the sky and seahorses perishing in the bay due to the extreme conditions. Temperatures exceeding 50C not only cause discomfort but also present serious health hazards such as heat exhaustion, heart issues, and potential fatalities with prolonged exposure.
In response to the extreme heat, the Kuwaiti government has permitted nighttime funerals this year. Many residents opt to remain indoors, utilizing air-conditioned spaces for relief. The surge in heat has prompted innovative infrastructure developments, including indoor shopping streets designed to shield customers from the harsh climate. A substantial portion of household electricity consumption, around 67%, is attributed to continuous air conditioning usage.
Despite the challenging environment, Kuwait’s streets remain bustling with activity, primarily driven by migrant workers comprising approximately 70% of the population. These laborers, attracted by the controversial kafala system, predominantly engage in construction and domestic services, filling the capital’s buses and sidewalks.
Research from the Institute of Physics underscores the heightened health risks faced by migrant workers due to extreme heat. Without climate change interventions, heat-related fatalities could rise significantly among both Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti residents by the end of the century. Kuwait’s substantial carbon footprint, ranking only behind Bahrain and Qatar, underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate action, especially considering the country’s modest emission reduction targets.
Energy consumption is projected to triple by 2030, driven by increased air conditioning demand. With state subsidies covering most electricity and water costs, residents have little incentive to reduce consumption. However, this subsidy system also encompasses water production through energy-intensive desalination plants.
Environmental expert Salman Zafar warns of potential severe consequences of global warming for Kuwait, including floods, droughts, aquifer depletion, coastal inundation, frequent sandstorms, biodiversity loss, ecosystem damage, agricultural threats, and disease outbreaks.