Turkey Records Hottest Year in 2024 Amid Global Temperature Surge

In 2024, Turkey recorded its hottest year ever, with an average temperature of 15.6°C, surpassing previous records. This alarming trend reflects a global pattern of increasing temperatures due to climate change, affecting not only Turkey but also other countries. Drought conditions and reduced rainfall exacerbate environmental issues, necessitating urgent action to combat climate change.

According to Turkey’s weather agency, the year 2024 has set a new record as the hottest year in the nation since temperature records began 53 years ago. The average temperature in Turkey reached 15.6 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit), which represents a significant increase of 1.7 degrees Celsius compared to the average temperatures recorded from 1991 to 2020. This surpasses the previous record of 15.5 degrees, which was established in 2010. The rising trend in temperatures has been evident in Turkey, where average temperatures have exceeded normal levels almost every year since 2007, with the exception of 2011.

In addition to Turkey, other countries, such as China, Brazil, Japan, and the United States, also reported their hottest years on record in 2024. India has similarly noted that this year marked the highest recorded temperatures since 1901. The adverse effects of climate change are increasingly apparent, as evidenced by the 6.3 percent reduction in rainfall over the past year, which has been particularly severe along Turkey’s Aegean coast, experiencing a 22.4 percent decrease.

Moreover, the compounding challenges of drought and the over-extraction of groundwater have accelerated the appearance of sinkholes in central Turkey’s Konya province, known as the country’s agricultural heartland. The World Meteorological Organization has highlighted that 2024 is not only Turkey’s hottest year but also the hottest year globally. They have called for urgent action to avert further climatic degradation. Similarly, Europe’s Copernicus climate monitor noted that global average temperatures surpassed a critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius warming for the first time in over two years.

The rising temperatures in Turkey are part of a larger global trend attributed to climate change, which has affected weather patterns, rainfall, and natural ecosystems worldwide. Turkey’s national weather agency has emphasized the alarming increase in average temperatures, highlighting the prolonged impact of drought, particularly in agricultural areas. Other countries have reported similar temperature spikes, reinforcing the urgency of addressing climate change as a shared global challenge.

In summary, 2024 has been recorded as Turkey’s hottest year on record, with significant implications for climate patterns and environmental health. This trend underscores the broader challenges posed by climate change, which have led to diminished rainfall and heightened agricultural vulnerabilities. As echoed by international organizations, there is an urgent need for coordinated global efforts to combat climate change to prevent further environmental degradation. Turkey’s experience serves as a critical reminder of the realities faced globally as temperatures rise.

Original Source: www.barrons.com