Record-Breaking Heat: China Reports Hottest Year in 2024

In 2024, China recorded its warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius, marking a significant rise in temperature trends. Severe flooding and heatwaves have been prevalent, contributing to fatalities and evacuations. Globally, the year is anticipated to be the hottest recorded, reflecting a broader pattern of extreme weather linked to climate change and significant economic losses due to natural disasters.

China has recorded 2024 as its warmest year to date, according to its meteorological agency. Over the past four years, each year has ranked among the top four warmest years since complete data collection began in 1961. The average national temperature reached 10.92 degrees Celsius, exceeding the historical average by more than one degree. This year has also witnessed the hottest month, July, alongside record-breaking heat during August and autumn.

The unprecedented rise in temperatures is attributed to climate change, exacerbated by human activities, primarily the combustion of fossil fuels. As the globe warms, air retains more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and severe storms, manifesting in natural disasters that incur significant economic losses. China experienced severe flooding, resulting in numerous fatalities and evacuations last year, with extensive damage reported across various regions.

This pattern of extreme weather is not isolated to China; globally, catastrophic floods, violent storms, and devastating droughts have occurred throughout 2024. The United Nations anticipates that this year will be recognized as the hottest globally, with climate objectives, set out in the Paris Accords, remaining critical amidst these occurrences.

The increasing incidence of extreme weather events highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and its far-reaching consequences. The burning of fossil fuels continues to elevate greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating international commitments to reduce them. The impending goals set by China, including reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2060, are part of the global effort to confront climate change and mitigate its impacts. Over the past few years, rising temperatures have led to multiple records in meteorological observations, affirming the trend of global warming and its associated challenges. Reports from the World Meteorological Organization underscore that this is not solely a localized issue, as temperature increases affect global stability and intensify weather patterns, thereby impacting economies and ecosystems.

In summary, 2024 has been marked as China’s hottest year on record, revealing a concerning correlation between climactic shifts and extreme weather phenomena. With myriad implications for human life, infrastructure, and economic stability, these developments necessitate urgent attention from both national and global entities. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the importance of adhering to international climate agreements becomes ever more critical to foster a sustainable future for subsequent generations.

Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com