Japan’s Meteorological Agency declared 2024 the hottest year since record-keeping began in 1898, with temperatures averaging 1.48 degrees Celsius above historical norms. This increase underscores a worrying trend attributed to climate change, as Japan faces extreme weather events, such as floods and prolonged heat, amidst a high dependence on fossil fuels for energy. The country aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, with significant plans to boost renewable energy usage in the coming decades.
On Monday, Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that 2024 has set a new record as the hottest year in the nation’s history since records commenced in 1898. According to the JMA, the average temperature across Japan from January to December increased by 1.48 degrees Celsius above the average from 1991 to 2020. This rise surpasses the previous year’s record, which was itself 1.29 degrees Celsius above normal.
The agency noted that Japan’s temperatures have been increasing at a rate of approximately 1.40 degrees Celsius per century, with a notable uptick observed since the 1990s. Kaoru Takahashi, a JMA official, indicated that climate change is a significant contributing factor to this alarming trend. The alteration in wind patterns, particularly the shift of prevailing westerlies bringing warmer air further north, has exacerbated this phenomenon.
In addition, 2024’s summer matched the previous year’s peak heat, establishing it as the hottest summer on record. Autumn, too, set a new precedent for warmth. Remarkably, Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, was devoid of its characteristic snow for an unprecedented duration, only seeing its snow cap return in early November, significantly delayed compared to the historical norm of mid-October.
The implications of climate change extend beyond mere temperature increases; scientists have warned that a warmer atmosphere heightens the likelihood of extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall. This was tragically illustrated in September 2024, when catastrophic floods and landslides in the Noto Peninsula resulted in the loss of sixteen lives amidst ongoing challenges from a previous earthquake event. In November, severe rainfall led authorities to issue evacuation commands for hundreds of thousands of residents in various regions.
Global temperature records have similarly been broken in other nations—including India, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Germany, and Brazil—reflecting a broader trend linked to escalating greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, Japan’s energy policy faces scrutiny, with fossil fuels constituting nearly 70% of its energy mix in 2023, rendering it the highest emitter among G7 nations. Nevertheless, Japan aspires to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 while establishing a goal to reduce emissions by 46% from 2013 figures by 2030. New initiatives announced in December aim to elevate renewable energy contributions to 40-50% by 2040, a significant increase from 23% in 2023.
The issue of rising global temperatures and climate change has emerged as a formidable challenge in recent decades. In the wake of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, severe weather events have consequently escalated in frequency and intensity worldwide. Japan, much like numerous nations, has recorded alarming changes in climatic patterns, affecting its weather, natural environments, and overall living conditions. Understanding the broader context of these climate changes, particularly in relation to Japan’s energy policies and climate targets, provides critical insights into the ongoing environmental crisis and the nation’s response to such challenges.
In summary, Japan has reported its warmest year on record for 2024, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The implications are far-reaching, impacting weather patterns and leading to extreme conditions across the nation. As Japan grapples with these challenges, it is evident that substantial shifts in energy policy will be required to meet future emissions targets and mitigate ongoing climate risks.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
