China Records Its Hottest Year Ever Amidst Global Climate Crisis

In 2024, China experienced its hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 10.92°C, surpassing the historical norm by over a degree. Severe weather events, resulting from global warming, led to significant fatalities and economic losses both in China and worldwide, reinforcing the urgency for climate action. The United Nations declared this year as the warmest globally, reflecting the ongoing climate crisis and the critical need for emission reduction commitments.

In 2024, China recorded its highest annual temperature since comprehensive records began in 1961, according to the China Meteorological Administration. The average national temperature reached 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), exceeding the previous averages by 1.03 degrees. This surge in temperature mirrors a global trend, with the United Nations declaring 2024 the warmest year on record worldwide, exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis. China, being the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has committed to peaking its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

The last four years have marked the warmest periods in China’s history, and 2024 has logged record-breaking temperatures across various seasons, including July’s hottest month and the warmest autumn. The repercussions of such climate changes have been severe; floods led to multiple fatalities and widespread evacuations. Furthermore, natural disasters throughout the year resulted in significant economic losses across the globe, with damages amounting to $310 billion in 2024, as reported by Swiss Re.

Extreme weather patterns have been increasingly evident, with warmer temperatures contributing to intensified rainfall and storms, disrupting ecosystems and communities alike. As global warming trends continue, it is crucial to address the underlying causes to mitigate future disasters.

The article discusses the alarming rise in temperature recorded in China, highlighting 2024 as the warmest year on record according to the China Meteorological Administration. This situation is part of a broader global phenomenon where climate change, driven predominantly by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, has led to extreme weather conditions manifesting as severe storms, droughts, and floods with devastating effects on infrastructure and the economy. The context of international climate agreements, particularly the Paris climate accords, is vital in framing the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking collective action to combat climate change.

The data presented underscores the urgency of addressing climate change as evidenced by the unprecedented temperatures and extreme weather patterns experienced both in China and globally in 2024. As nations grapple with the consequences of rising temperatures, it is imperative to follow through on commitments to reduce emissions and invest in sustainable practices to protect communities and the environment. The continuous rise in average temperatures reinforces the need for immediate actions to reverse or mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Original Source: www.france24.com