The year 2024 has been declared the warmest on record in China, with average temperatures significantly surpassing historical averages. The nation has faced extreme weather including severe flooding and prolonged heatwaves, contributing to an alarming increase in economic losses due to natural disasters. Globally, the year has seen unprecedented climate events, emphasizing the urgent need for stringent climate action in alignment with international accords aimed at combating global warming.
In a recent announcement, the China Meteorological Administration reported that 2024 has become the warmest year recorded in the nation, with an average national temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 1.03 degrees above the historical average. This alarming trend coincides with a series of extreme weather events globally, emphasizing the significant impact of climate change on weather patterns. The data indicate that the past four years have registered as the warmest ever recorded, with all of the top ten warmest years occurring in the 21st century.
Throughout 2024, China has experienced unprecedented weather phenomena, including its hottest month (July), the warmest August, and a notably mild autumn. The implications of rising temperatures are far-reaching; they not only lead to increased frequency and intensity of rainfall but also exacerbate natural disasters such as floods and droughts. This year, numerous individuals were affected by catastrophic flooding, resulting in multiple casualties and the evacuation of thousands across the nation.
Globally, 2024 has seen alarming instances of natural disaster, including deadly floods in Spain and Kenya, severe storms affecting the United States and the Philippines, and droughts and wildfires ravaging south American countries. The economic ramifications of these disasters were estimated at $310 billion according to Swiss Re, an insurance firm based in Zurich. The dire predictions concerning climate change are underscored by a report from the United Nations, which projected 2024 to be the warmest year on record internationally.
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events around the world is primarily attributed to climate change, resulting from human activities that significantly elevate greenhouse gas emissions. China, being a leading contributor to such emissions, has encountered significant challenges in managing its environmental impact. The nation has committed to important goals, such as achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030 and striving towards net-zero emissions by 2060. The urgency of these commitments becomes evident as record-breaking temperatures and devastating weather events continue to escalate globally. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, efforts are in place to limit global warming, but these endeavors face serious challenges exemplified by the records set in 2024.
In conclusion, 2024 has emerged as a pivotal year for climate action as it marks China’s hottest year on record, along with unprecedented global weather extremes. The ongoing consequences of climate change necessitate urgent responses, underscored by the commitments made under international agreements such as the Paris Accord. With mounting evidence of the relationship between rising temperatures and severe weather conditions, it is imperative that nations collectively prioritize sustainable practices to mitigate the irrevocable impacts of global warming on society and the environment.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
