Turkey recorded its hottest year in history in 2024, with an annual average temperature of 15.6°C, exceeding the previous record set in 2010. The country is part of a global trend, with many nations experiencing unprecedented heat. The situation has led to reduced rainfall and increasing drought conditions, prompting concerns over water resources and agriculture.
In 2024, Turkey recorded its highest average yearly temperature, reaching 15.6 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit), according to its meteorological agency. This figure represents a 1.7-degree increase above the average temperatures recorded from 1991 to 2020. The year marks Turkey’s warmest since the inception of its climate records 53 years ago, surpassing the previous record of 15.5 degrees established in 2010.
Across the globe, several countries—including China, Brazil, Japan, and the United States—also reported their hottest years on record in 2024. Additionally, India documented its highest temperatures since 1901. Since 2007, Turkey has experienced above-average annual temperatures, with the exception of 2011. The country faced a 6.3 percent decrease in rainfall compared to the average, with the Aegean coast indicating even more severe drought conditions at 22.4 percent lower than normal.
These climatic changes, aggravated by drought and groundwater depletion, have intensified the emergence of sinkholes in central Turkey’s Konya province, known for its agricultural significance. While Turkey’s weather agency did not cite climate change directly, the United Nations World Meteorological Organization commented last month that 2024 was the hottest year globally, urging nations to reevaluate their environmental policies. Furthermore, Europe’s Copernicus climate monitor reported that global temperatures have surpassed a critical 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold for the first time over the past two years.
The article reflects a growing concern regarding global temperature increases and their impacts on various nations, with a particular focus on Turkey. The records indicated for Turkey confirm a wider trend that aligns with scientific consensus on climate change, highlighting the urgency for nations to implement strategies to mitigate adverse environmental effects. The ongoing meteorological shifts have critical implications not only for local climates but also for agricultural productivity and water resources, further necessitating international collaboration and proactive measures.
In conclusion, 2024 represents a significant turning point for Turkey, marking its hottest year in recorded history. This alarming development aligns with a broader global pattern of rising temperatures, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive climate action. The detrimental effects of drought and reduced rainfall underscore the critical challenges facing Turkey and other nations, reinforcing the call for sustainable environmental practices immediately to combat climate change.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
