Rising Temperature: Creative Ways to Cope with Heat

As temperatures soar in Douala, the commercial heart of Cameroon, residents are feeling the brunt of an increasingly harsh climate. Blistering heatwaves have become more frequent, with daily temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F), pushing city dwellers to adapt in various innovative ways. For many City dwellers, rising temperatures are a harsh reality. "It's unbearable at times", says Monique Obiomo, a local teacher. "The heat makes it difficult to concentrate at work, and you can feel the exhaustion setting in by midday." With humidity levels climbing alongside the temperatures, the discomfort becomes even more pronounced. "Since I don’t have an air conditioner in my office, I have relocated to a colleague's office who has one. I can’t even sit in my office for five minutes", lamented Solange Mbida, a worker in Bonanjo. She expressed frustration over management's reluctance to repair the broken air conditioner in her office. "This situation is worrying, as it affects productivity," she added. "I can’t work well; the heat is too much to bear. On days when my colleague with AC is out in the field, it feels like I am walking around naked", she stated. In response to the extreme heat, Douala inhabitants have turned to several creative solutions. Many are modifying their daily routines to avoid the sun. Early mornings a...