In 2024, China recorded its warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius. This year’s extreme weather events included catastrophic floods, heatwaves, and droughts, reflecting a concerning trend linked to climate change. The global average temperature has similarly risen, with significant financial losses from natural disasters. These developments underscore the urgent need for action to address the pressing challenges of climate change.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, 2024 ranks as the hottest year recorded in China, with an average national temperature reaching 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), which is an increase of 1.03 degrees from the norm. This alarming trend coincides with a global uptick in extreme weather linked to climate change. Official data reveal that the top four warmest years in China have manifested in the last four years, indicating a concerning warming pattern since record-keeping began in 1961.
This year has seen unprecedented heat waves, with China experiencing its warmest months in July and August and an exceptionally warm autumn. Similar patterns are acknowledged globally, where the United Nations has indicated that 2024 is set to be recorded as the warmest year worldwide. The implications of rising temperatures extend beyond mere statistics; increased heat enables the atmosphere to retain more moisture, contributing to intense rainfall and stronger storms, thus escalating the number of severe weather occurrences and natural disasters.
The past year in China saw catastrophic floods resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive evacuations. One tragic incident in May involved the collapse of a highway in southern China due to persistent rains, leading to the death of 48 individuals. Cities such as Guangzhou experienced an extended heatwave lasting 240 days, surpassing the previous record of 234 days, while regions like Sichuan and the Yangtze River basin faced severe drought conditions.
Globally, 2024 has not been exempt from devastating weather events, with significant flooding reported in Spain and Kenya and fierce storms in the U.S. and the Philippines. Additionally, droughts and wildfires have ravaged parts of South America. According to Swiss Re, the financial toll from natural disasters in 2024 reached approximately $310 billion. Efforts to limit global temperature increases, as outlined in the 2015 Paris climate accords, face significant challenges as the mean surface air temperature from January to September was already recorded at 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The situation necessitates urgent attention and action, as the impact of climate change becomes increasingly deadly and economically burdensome.
The alarming rise in global temperatures, attributed primarily to anthropogenic climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions, has prompted widespread concern among scientists and policymakers. China, as the world’s largest emitter of these gases, plays a crucial role in global climate dynamics. The data from the China Meteorological Administration points to a troubling trend of increasing temperatures in recent years, exacerbated by natural disasters that have led to loss of life and significant economic impact. The urgency of addressing climate change is further underscored by global efforts as evidenced by agreements like the Paris climate accords.
In summary, 2024 has been recorded as China’s warmest year, mirroring a larger global trend of escalating temperatures and extreme weather events. The severe climatic shifts witnessed in China, including catastrophic floods, extended heatwaves, and drought conditions, are alarming indicators of the broader implications of climate change. With substantial economic losses attributed to natural disasters, it is imperative for nations worldwide to recognize the urgency of mitigating climate change and implementing effective strategies to combat its effects.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
