In 2024, China recorded its highest average temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius, marking it as the country’s hottest year since records began in 1961. This trend is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather linked to climate change, with substantial economic ramifications globally. Floods and droughts have caused significant loss of life and property both in China and around the world, with natural disasters leading to around $310 billion in losses.
According to a report from the China Meteorological Administration, 2024 was officially recorded as China’s hottest year to date, with an average national temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 1.03 degrees above the average since comprehensive measurements began in 1961. The agency noted that the last four years have consistently ranked as the warmest ever recorded, with all ten warmest years occurring in the 21st century. Furthermore, 2024 witnessed unprecedented temperature levels in July, August, and autumn.
The implications of this rise in temperature are alarming, as global warming, primarily due to fossil fuel consumption, is precipitating extreme weather phenomena worldwide. Notably, warmer atmospheric conditions allow for greater moisture retention and intensified evaporation from oceans, contributing to severe storms and heavy downpours. These climatic shifts have resulted in devastating impacts, including casualties and significant economic losses.
In China, severe flooding last year contributed to the death of dozens, with events such as a collapsed highway in May claiming 48 lives. The southern city of Guangzhou recorded an unprecedented summer lasting 240 days with average temperatures exceeding 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Concurrently, regions like Sichuan and Chongqing faced severe drought conditions earlier in the autumn.
Globally, the year has been marked by catastrophic weather events, including flooding in Spain and Kenya, violent storms in the United States and the Philippines, and drought-induced wildfires throughout South America. According to Swiss Re, the economic ramifications of natural disasters amounted to approximately $310 billion in losses for 2024. The United Nations issued a statement indicating that 2024 is projected to be the hottest year recorded globally, underscoring the urgent need to address climate change.
The 2015 Paris Accords sought to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, with a goal of 1.5 degrees being pursued. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the mean surface temperature for the period from January to September in 2024 was 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages.
The report highlights a critical aspect of climate change, emphasizing that nations, particularly industrial giants like China, are significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. As the leading emitter, China’s climate policy aims to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060. The increase in average temperatures correlates with a series of extreme weather events, showcasing a troubling trend as global temperatures rise, leading to a myriad of environmental crises.
In conclusion, the record-setting temperatures of 2024 in China highlight the broader implications of climate change manifested through extreme weather events. The occurrence of severe flooding, droughts, and economic losses due to natural disasters emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing climate issues. The findings reiterate the importance of adhering to international agreements like the Paris Accords to ensure a sustainable future for the planet.
Original Source: www.france24.com
