Japan’s weather agency reported that 2024 is the hottest year on record, with temperatures 1.48°C above averages since 1991-2020, reflecting a concerning global trend of climate change. Severe weather events, including flooding and landslides, further emphasize the urgent need for action as Japan strives for carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims to reduce emissions significantly by 2030.
On January 6, 2024, Japan’s weather agency announced that the year had recorded the highest temperatures since records began in 1898, consistent with a global trend of escalating warmth attributed to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The average temperature across Japan from January to December 2024 exceeded previous averages by 1.48 degrees Celsius, surpassing the prior record of a 1.29 degree Celsius increase from 2023. Additionally, the frequency of extreme weather events has intensified, signaling a clear and alarming shift in climate patterns for the country.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) cited that over the past century, Japan’s temperature has risen at an alarming rate of 1.40 degrees Celsius, with notable increases since the 1990s. Mr. Kaoru Takahashi, a JMA official responsible for weather information, identified climate change as a significant factor driving these trends, along with changes in prevailing winds that have allowed warmer air to penetrate further north. Furthermore, the summer of 2024 was recorded as one of the hottest alongside 2023, while autumn also set new records for warmth.
The impact of these high temperatures has manifested in various forms, including the unprecedented absence of snow on Mount Fuji until early November 2024, deviating from the historical average of early October for its snowcap appearance. Additionally, the warming climate has exacerbated the risks associated with heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding and landslides, which took the lives of 16 individuals in the Noto Peninsula area due to torrential rains in September 2024.
Moreover, the global situation reflects a similar trajectory, with countries like India, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, and Germany also recording heat spikes, as the World Meteorological Organization reported a new high in greenhouse gas emissions, solidifying the likelihood of continued warming. Japan, known for having the highest reliance on fossil fuels within the Group of Seven advanced economies, is actively pursuing carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims for a 46 percent reduction in emissions from 2013 levels by 2030, promoting renewable sources to constitute 40-50 percent of the energy mix by 2040.
The alarming rise in global temperatures has drawn attention to the escalating impacts of climate change. As measurable weather patterns continue to worsen, individual countries face significant challenges tied to their energy policies and environmental practices. Japan, among the highest greenhouse gas emitters in the Group of Seven, has plans in place to transition to renewable energy sources while also combating the urgent effects of global warming. The persistence of extreme weather, such as floods and heatwaves, underlines the urgent need for effective climate action.
In summary, the year 2024 has emerged as a pivotal moment for climate awareness, particularly for Japan, which recorded its highest temperatures since the beginning of modern meteorological records. The confluence of rising averages, scarce snow-pack conditions, and intensified weather events signifies a pressing need for robust measures against climate change. While Japan sets ambitious targets for reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy, the situation calls for global cooperation to effectively tackle climate issues pervasive across nations.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
