Turkey experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with an average temperature of 15.6 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees higher than the previous averages. This trend corresponds with other countries that also recorded their hottest years, highlighting a critical situation due to climate change. Additionally, rainfall decreased significantly, influencing drought conditions and contributing to environmental issues such as sinkhole formation in agricultural regions.
In 2024, Turkey recorded its highest average annual temperature ever, reaching 15.6 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit), which is an alarming increase of 1.7 degrees from the average logged between 1991 and 2020. This year marks a notable escalation from the previous record of 15.5 degrees, established in 2010, and is the warmest since the nation began tracking temperatures over 53 years ago. Alongside Turkey, many countries, including the United States, Brazil, and India, reported unprecedented temperature highs in 2024, underscoring a worrying trend associated with climate change.
Turkey’s average temperatures have surpassed normal levels since 2007, with the exception of 2011. The country also faced a 6.3 percent decrease in rainfall last year, with significant deficits noted in the Aegean region, which saw 22.4 percent less precipitation. The issue of drought has been exacerbated by extensive groundwater extraction, resulting in the emergence of sinkholes, particularly in the central agricultural region of Konya, which is pivotal for Turkey’s agricultural productivity.
While the Turkish weather agency omitted direct reference to climate change, an assertion was echoed by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization, which indicated that the year 2024 is distinguished as the world’s hottest on record. Additionally, Europe’s Copernicus climate monitor confirmed that global temperatures surpassed the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold over the past two years, alarming experts regarding future climate challenges.
The reporting from Turkey highlights a significant pattern in climate fluctuations, particularly in the context of global warming. The year 2024 has seen numerous countries grappling with temperatures that exceed prior records, showcasing a global trend attributable to climate change. Turkey’s increasing average temperatures and the associated impacts, such as lower rainfall and the emergence of sinkholes, indicate a serious environmental crisis that demands urgent attention. The data provided by various meteorological organizations underscores the increasing severity of climate-related issues across the globe.
In conclusion, the year 2024 stands as a stark indicator of climate change ramifications, particularly for Turkey, which has observed its highest annual temperatures on record. This trend is reflected globally, emphasizing the need for collective action to mitigate climate change impacts. The combination of higher temperatures, reduced rainfall, and environmental degradation through drought exemplifies the urgent need for sustainable practices and climate resilience strategies moving forward.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
