Turkey’s meteorological agency announced 2024 as the hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 15.6 degrees Celsius. This temperature is significantly higher than previous records, indicating a concerning trend linked to global climate change. Other countries also reported their hottest years, highlighting a global climatic crisis exacerbated by reduced rainfall and drought conditions in Turkey.
In 2024, Turkey reached a significant environmental milestone as it recorded its hottest year ever, according to the country’s meteorological agency. The average temperature for the year was reported at 15.6 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 15.5 degrees set in 2010. This temperature represents an increase of 1.7 degrees Celsius when compared to the average recorded between 1991 and 2020. The agency noted that extreme temperatures have been prevalent globally, with various countries, including China and Brazil, also experiencing their hottest years on record.
The ongoing trend of rising temperatures in Turkey has been observed since 2007, with the exception of 2011. The past year also saw a notable decrease in rainfall, which was 6.3 percent below the average, significantly affecting the drought-stricken Aegean coastal region, where rainfall levels dropped by 22.4 percent. The combination of drought and excessive groundwater extraction has led to the alarming phenomenon of sinkholes forming in Konya, a crucial agricultural area known as Turkey’s breadbasket.
The issue of climate change has increasingly impacted weather patterns worldwide, contributing to significant temperature increases across various countries. In Turkey, the year 2024 marked a historic high, reflecting a broader trend in global climatic shifts. The radical shifts in weather and rainfall patterns have profound implications for agriculture, water resources, and overall environmental stability. Reports from international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization, have emphasized the urgency of mitigating climate change to prevent further extremes.
In summary, 2024 stands as a critical year for climate awareness in Turkey, exemplifying the urgent need for action against climate change. The unprecedented temperatures and weather patterns observed are not isolated phenomena but part of a global crisis that calls for immediate attention and intervention from all nations to safeguard environmental health and sustainability.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
