In 2024, China experienced its hottest year on record, with an average temperature increase of 1.03 degrees Celsius compared to prior averages. Extreme weather events, such as devastating floods and prolonged heatwaves, affected the nation and contributed to a broader global climate crisis in which temperature extremes have been noted in various countries throughout the year. The need for stringent actions against climate change has become increasingly critical as significant economic losses mount from natural disasters.
In 2024, China recorded its warmest year since full meteorological records began in 1961, with an average national temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous averages by a significant margin. July marked China’s hottest month on record, while the country also experienced its hottest August and warmest autumn, contributing to a trend of increasing temperatures. This year unfolded amid a backdrop of extreme weather globally, attributed to climate change and the emissions produced by fossil fuel consumption.
The alarming frequency of severe weather phenomena in China and around the world highlights the urgency of addressing climate change. In the previous year, numerous deadly floods led to evacuations and significant casualties, with many lives lost due to extreme rainfall and infrastructural failures. The effects of global warming are evident not only in temperature rises but also in enhanced storm intensity and catastrophic flooding events seen this year across various regions, including Spain and Kenya.
The rise in average temperatures is consistent with the alarming trends in climate science, which have linked global warming primarily to human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions. China has emerged as the leading emitter, contributing significantly to worldwide climate change. As such, the government has committed to peaking CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, though the practical implications of these pledges remain to be seen. As scientists warn, the repercussions of climate change are escalating, manifesting not only in elevated temperatures but severe storms, flooding, and droughts that inflict extensive harm on global economies and communities.
In summary, 2024 has emerged as a pivotal year in understanding the impacts of climate change, particularly for China, which recorded its highest temperatures on record alongside a series of deadly natural disasters. The pattern of extreme weather is not only alarming for the national climate but underscores the critical nature of international climate commitments. Ultimately, the global community faces significant challenges in mitigating these effects, promoting sustainable practices, and adhering to targets set by international agreements like the Paris climate accords.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
