China recorded its hottest year in 2024, with an average national temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius, exceeding previous records. This escalating trend in extreme weather correlates with broader global patterns driven by climate change, resulting in severe flooding and droughts domestically and worldwide. In total, natural disasters this year have incurred $310 billion in damages globally, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.
In 2024, China registered its highest recorded temperatures, according to the China Meteorological Administration. The average national temperature reached 10.92 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous annual average by over a degree. Notably, the past four years comprise the top warmest years in history, with this alarming trend continuing into the 21st century. The country experienced unprecedented heat waves, particularly in July and August, and recorded the warmest autumn documented to date.
The effects of climate change have been profound, as increased temperatures have led to extreme weather events. This phenomenon has manifested as intense rainfall, severe flooding, and prolonged droughts throughout the nation. In 2024, devastating floods resulted in fatalities and the displacement of thousands. A tragic incident occurred in May when a highway collapse in southern China claimed 48 lives due to relentless rain.
Meanwhile, the global climate has also shown troubling trends, with the United Nations confirming that 2024 was poised to become the hottest year recorded globally. The causal relationship between fossil fuel consumption and rising temperatures is grimly evident, with natural disasters causing significant economic losses worldwide, estimated at $310 billion according to Swiss Re. Furthermore, droughts and wildfires have ravaged regions across South America, exacerbating humanitarian crises.
The urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by the 2015 Paris climate accords, which sought to limit global warming to slightly below two degrees Celsius. The World Meteorological Organization reported that the average temperature from January to September 2024 was 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. As nations grapple with the impacts of climate change, the need for substantial action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions remains critical.
The alarming rise in temperatures across China correlates with global climate change trends primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions. As the leading emitter of these gases, China’s climatic challenges reflect broader international concerns regarding extreme weather patterns and their impacts, including droughts, floods, and economic losses. The situation emphasizes the urgency for national and global efforts to mitigate climate change in accordance with international agreements like the Paris accords.
In conclusion, 2024 has marked a significant turning point in China’s climate trajectory, showcasing the stark realities of global warming through record temperatures and extreme weather events. The ramifications of these changes are profound, affecting human life and economic stability. As the world continues to confront these challenges, collective action and adherence to climate commitments are imperative to avert further detrimental impacts from climate change.
Original Source: www.france24.com
