Japan Records 2024 as Hottest Year Amid Climate Change Crisis
Japan has recorded 2024 as the hottest year ever, with temperatures rising 1.48 degrees Celsius above the average, contributing to global climate change concerns. This trend reflects similar increases in temperature across numerous nations. Severe weather events linked to climate change further highlight the urgency for Japan to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in its pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that 2024 was the hottest year on record, aligning with global trends of increasing temperatures due to climate change and rising greenhouse gas emissions. The average temperature in Japan from January to December was 1.48 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average, marking the highest since records began in 1898. The preceding year also set a record, exceeding the average by 1.29 degrees Celsius. Notably, Japan’s temperature has been increasing at a rate of 1.40 degrees Celsius per century since the 1990s.
The JMA identified climate change as a significant contributor to rising temperatures, with altered westerly winds facilitating the influx of warmer air. Last summer tied for the hottest on record, while autumn 2024 established new highs in temperature records. Moreover, the iconic snowcap of Mount Fuji had its latest appearance, not recorded until early November, compared to the typical early October timeline.
Researchers highlighted the correlation between climate change and the heightened risk of severe weather events, including heavy rainfall, as a warmer atmosphere retains more moisture. In September, catastrophic floods and landslides in central Japan resulted in the loss of 16 lives, while severe rainfall in November prompted large-scale evacuations. Other nations, including India, China, and Brazil, similarly experienced record temperatures in 2024.
Experts have linked unprecedented greenhouse gas emissions to these high temperatures, affirming that Japan’s energy policies exacerbate the problem, as fossil fuels constituted nearly 70 percent of its energy mix in 2023, labeling it as the least environmentally friendly among G7 nations. Japan has set ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims to reduce emissions by 46 percent from 2013 levels by 2030, with targets for renewable energy to generate 40-50 percent of electricity by 2040, a significant increase from 23 percent in 2023.
The information from the Japan Meteorological Agency regarding the unprecedented heat observed in 2024 underscores the urgent realities of climate change faced globally. The rising average temperatures indicate a direct correlation with the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, primarily due to industrial activity and energy production reliant on fossil fuels. As heatwaves and extreme weather become more common, nations are increasingly pressured to adapt their policies to mitigate climate impacts and pursue sustainable energy solutions.
The declaration by the Japan Meteorological Agency that 2024 was the hottest year on record reinforces the gravity of climate change as a global concern. The continuous rise in temperatures across Japan and worldwide, alongside the concerning trends in greenhouse gas emissions, necessitates urgent action from governments to transition towards sustainable energy sources. Japan’s commitment to reducing emissions and increasing reliance on renewable energy offers a critical pathway towards addressing these pressing climate issues, although challenges remain significant.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
