China experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with the average national temperature rising 1.03 degrees Celsius above the historical norm. This intensity of heat is part of a global trend driven by climate change, resulting in extreme weather events and significant economic impacts. The nation, facing severe weather-induced challenges, has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, amidst increasing urgency from the international community.
In a remarkable announcement, China’s meteorological agency reported that 2024 has become the warmest year on record for the nation, reflecting a broader pattern of rising global temperatures attributed to climate change. The average national temperature reached 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing historical averages by 1.03 degrees Celsius since reliable records began in 1961. This record escalation in temperatures aligns with similar patterns globally, amidst increasingly extreme weather events.
China’s climate crisis is accentuated by its status as the foremost emitter of greenhouse gases, which are believed to be the driving force behind global warming. Despite these alarming figures, the Chinese government has committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, aiming for a peak by 2030 and attaining net-zero emissions by 2060. The past four years have witnessed the highest recorded temperatures in China, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges.
This year alone, China experienced unprecedented heatwaves, including record-breaking temperatures in summer, and witnessed extreme weather conditions across various regions, resulting in significant population evacuations and multiple fatalities during floods. Particularly tragic were the events in southern China in May, where a highway collapse claimed 48 lives due to torrential rainfall, showcasing the human toll of climate-related phenomena.
In broader terms, the United Nations has indicated that 2024 is on track to be the warmest year globally, impacting economies and ecosystems at an alarming rate. Annual economic losses from natural disasters in 2024 reached approximately $310 billion, highlighting the severe consequences of climate-induced catastrophes. The 2015 Paris Agreements aim to curtail global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, a target increasingly challenged by current climatic trends, as reflected in the World Meteorological Organization’s report of a 1.54 degrees Celsius rise in average temperatures above pre-industrial levels as of September 2024.
Global warming is a critical issue that continues to escalate due to human activities, predominantly the combustion of fossil fuels, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in rising global temperatures and drastic changes in weather patterns. In recent years, China has emerged as a focal point for climate discussions, as it is both the largest emitter of greenhouse gases and a nation experiencing significant climatic shifts. The commitment made by China’s government to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2060 indicates recognition of the challenges posed by climate change, although the urgency of the situation is reflected in the unprecedented temperatures and weather extremes recorded in 2024.
In conclusion, 2024 will be marked in history as China’s hottest year, amplifying concerns surrounding global warming and its severe repercussions. The climate crisis, with its measurable impacts on temperature, weather events, and economic stability, underscores the necessity for immediate and substantial action against environmental degradation. As nations grapple with the effects of climate change, the importance of adhering to international agreements, like the Paris Accords, has never been more crucial in safeguarding the planet for future generations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
