Climate change in South Sudan

South Sudan is one of the five most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. The country is facing the impacts of climate change, including droughts and flooding, which have indirect and interlinked implications for peace and security. Mean annual temperatures across South Sudan have increased by more than 0.4°C every decade in the past 30 years and are projected to increase between 1°C and 1.5°C by 2060, creating a warmer and drier climate. In the northeast, rainfall has decreased by 15–20%, but other regions experienced more frequent and severe floods.

Greenhouse gas emissions
South Sudan's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2020 saw a significant 13.97% increase compared to 2019, reaching a total of 56,051.36. The previous year, in 2019, South Sudan's GHG emissions experienced a notable decline of 12.8% with a recorded value of 49,180.53. Furthermore, in 2018, South Sudan observed a 9.86% increase in GHG emissions, totaling 56,397.92.

Agriculture and livestock
Climate change is having a significant impact on agriculture and livestock in South Sudan. Droughts have killed livestock and disrupted crop cycles, leading to food insecurity. To address this issue, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is distributing early maturing and drought-resistant seed varieties, as well as supporting the introduction of irrigation systems. The losses of livestock attributed to climate change, coupled with existing rivalries, heighten the probability of cattle theft, which can result in retaliatory actions, communal conflicts, population displacement, exacerbation of inter-communal animosity, and the emergence of armed factions.