In 2024, China experienced its hottest year on record, with an average national temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius, exacerbated by climate change. The consequences included severe flooding and heatwaves, leading to significant human and economic costs. The UN anticipates 2024 as the warmest globally, underlining the urgent need for concerted climate action.
In 2024, China recorded its highest average national temperature since comprehensive records began in 1961, as reported by the China Meteorological Administration. The average temperature reached 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), marking a full degree increase over the historical average. The report highlighted that the last four years have all been among the top warmest recorded, with significant climate impacts being felt nationwide, including intense heatwaves and severe floods that have led to loss of life and widespread evacuations.
This noteworthy increase in temperature aligns with a global trend of extreme weather events, which have been significantly exacerbated by climate change. The United Nations has indicated that 2024 is predicted to be the hottest year globally, continuing a troubling trend associated with rising greenhouse gas emissions. China, being the largest emitter of such gases, has made commitments to reach peak carbon dioxide levels by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060, in an attempt to mitigate these harmful effects.
Climate science points to global warming not only contributing to rising temperatures but also amplifying weather events. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to intensified rainfall and hurricanes. Consequently, the repercussions of these climate changes have proved deadly and economically damaging. In China alone, flooding events have resulted in numerous fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, accelerating the urgency for climate action.
The issue of climate change and its effects have garnered attention globally, especially in the light of rising temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather phenomena. The Paris Climate Agreement set forth ambitious objectives of limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius, with a target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The year 2024 has been underscored as a pivotal moment in climate records, illustrating the ongoing impacts of climate change in various regions, particularly in significant emitters like China. As nations grapple with climate commitments, the socio-economic consequences of inaction become increasingly apparent, making it crucial to understand the broader narrative of climate change and its implications for future generations.
The year 2024 will be remembered as a benchmark for temperature records in China, underscoring the global climate crisis that has led to unprecedented weather patterns. The data shows an urgent need for effective policy changes and international cooperation to address the rising threat of climate change. As nations scrutinize their climate actions, it is imperative to prioritize strategies that ensure sustainable development while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The events of this year serve as both a warning and a call to action for the global community.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
