South Sudan is suffering in two major ways: partially from a genocide, mislabeled as a civil war for political reasons, and climate change, with increased consequences in the region due to climate change directly feeding the violence. Unfairly enough, South Sudan is almost entirely excluded of responsibility for climate change. The country emits only 4% of the world’s greenhouse gasses and 95% of the population relies on non-industrialized industries, limiting environmental impacts. Despite this, the environment in South Sudan will be harmed 2.5 times more than the rest of the global average and an Oxford study suggests that with an increase in 0.5O C, the frequency of violent conflict increases by 32%.  

The Climate Change Vulnerability Index of 2017 ranks South Sudan as one out of the five worst performing countries globally. Although South Sudan only gained their independence in 2011, the region has experienced a decrease in rainfalls, increase in heat spells, flooding, and drought disasters since the 1900s, and increased temperatures since the 1970s. The changes in environment have greatly affected the needs of a primarily agrarian country. A report by the United Nation indicates that 95% of South Sudan’s population, around 11 million people, rely on climate sensitive livelihoods, such as agriculture, forestry and fishing.

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Climate change has harmed all industries through changed temperatures, growing seasons, and available resources. It has been proven to be linked to decreased crop yields, and South Sudan has recently experienced low productivity and production of crops. Seasonal streams and springs have dried, limiting availability of water, and pastoral land is further being restricted by a loss in habitable land.

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While agriculture becomes a less viable and profitable option, many have turned to selling wood and charcoal. A recent report indicates tree coverage has dropped from 35% to 11% across the entire country. The reduction in trees is directly contributing to the effects of climate change. Carbon makes up about 50% of the mass of wood, and when it is cut down or burned, this carbon is released into the air as carbon dioxide. The tree-cutting business is particularly lucrative in South Sudan because they lack any central power grid to supply electricity to the country, so wood and charcoal supply an estimated 11 million Sudanese with heat and means for cooking.

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South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has been under attack since its beginning. The civil war (or genocide) began under the presidency of President Salva Kiir, of Dinka descent, and Vice President Riek Machar, of Nuer descent. The administration was strategic in attempting to settle historically rooted tensions between ethnic tribes; however, a suspected betrayal within the government resulted in a rebellion that sparked a civil war that is yet to end. Millions of Sudanese civilians have been displaced or forced to emigrate, and nearly 400,000 people have been killed. Political influences have fueled the Dinka and Nuer extremist militias, but exponentially rising temperatures due to climate change threatens nearly the entire population livelihoods and has caused a strain on available resources.

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A scarcity of resources has forced increased competition between neighboring tribes, consequently encouraging more violence. An example of competition leading to increased violence is between nomadic herders and settled farmers who end up fighting over wells, poor harvests, and a lack of pastureland. The men who are left unoccupied and without a livelihood are drawn to militias, feeding the war. They are also encouraged by political influences to blame the opposing ethnic group for their lack of resources, furthering hatred and divide.

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Climate change not only affects our environment, but directly relates to human interests, health, and safety.