Record Temperatures in 2024 Highlight Severe Climate Change Effects in China
2024 has been declared the hottest year in China’s history, with temperatures 1.03°C above average. This trend reflects global climate change, resulting in extreme weather events and significant economic losses. Despite commitments to peak emissions, China faces severe impacts from flooding and droughts, raising concerns over continued climate action and adherence to international agreements.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, 2024 has emerged as the hottest year recorded in China’s history, with an average national temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 1.03 degrees above the norm. Notably, the agency indicated that four of the warmest years on record all occurred in the past four years, highlighting a troubling trend of increasing temperatures. Additionally, 2024 has already seen unprecedented weather patterns, including the hottest months and seasons on record, emphasizing the extreme climatic shifts driven by global warming.
The global climate crisis is marked by significant alterations to weather patterns, attributed to rising greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from fossil fuel consumption. Despite China’s role as the leading emitter of such gases, the government has committed to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The increases in atmospheric heat have led to intensified rainfall and severe storms, which have devastating effects not only in China but globally.
In 2024, China has witnessed catastrophic flooding leading to loss of life and extensive evacuations, especially in the southern regions. A particularly tragic incident occurred in May when a highway collapse resulted in the deaths of 48 individuals. Furthermore, the city of Guangzhou recorded an unprecedently prolonged summer, with temperatures exceeding 22 degrees Celsius for 240 days—a new record. Other regions, such as Sichuan and Chongqing, faced significant heat and drought. These climatic disruptions mirror global challenges such as flooding, severe storms, and economic losses, collectively amounting to $310 billion in various disasters according to Swiss Re insurance.
The United Nations has acknowledged 2024 as one of the warmest years globally, with climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement increasingly at risk. As temperature averages continue to rise, the impacts of climate change extend beyond weather, affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and economies around the world. The World Meteorological Organization reported that the average surface air temperature from January to September was 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, underscoring the urgent need for global actions to mitigate these changes.
The data released by the China Meteorological Administration highlights China’s vulnerability to climate change, showcasing an alarming trajectory of rising temperatures. As the leading greenhouse gas emitter, the country’s commitment to peak emissions and move towards net-zero underscores the urgency of global climate initiatives. The impact of extreme weather events, such as flooding and prolonged heatwaves, not only disrupt daily life but also strain economic resources and infrastructure, revealing a critical need for effective climate action. Globally, the trend of rising temperatures has been linked to increased incidences of natural disasters, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate actions and outcomes.
In conclusion, the record-high temperatures experienced in China in 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the broader implications of climate change, highlighting both national and global challenges. The continuous increase in extreme weather events necessitates urgent action to address greenhouse gas emissions and combat the detrimental effects of a warming planet. With international agreements like the Paris Accord aiming to limit temperature rises, the need for collaborative efforts to meet these goals is more pressing than ever.
Original Source: www.france24.com
