The China Meteorological Administration has reported that 2024 was the warmest year on record in China, with an average temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius. The year saw extensive flooding and other extreme weather incidents, heralding a broader global crisis that resulted in $310 billion in economic losses due to natural disasters. The UN emphasized that 2024 was also set to become the warmest year worldwide, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, 2024 marked a historic high for national temperatures in China, with an average recorded temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), exceeding previous averages by 1.03 degrees Celsius. The report reveals alarming trends, noting that the four warmest years recorded have all occurred within the last four years, emphasizing that all ten of the warmest years since 1961 took place in the 21st century. This rise in temperature coincides with the global surge in extreme weather events fueled by climate change, further stressing the urgent need for climate action.
The United Nations reported that the year 2024 was poised to be the warmest year globally on record, linking extreme weather patterns observed across regions. In China, last year’s climate crisis resulted in catastrophic flooding, claiming numerous lives and displacing thousands. Other regions experienced similarly devastating phenomena, such as severe storms in the United States and the Philippines, and droughts and wildfires across South America. Furthermore, the financial toll of natural disasters in 2024 was considerable, amounting to $310 billion in economic losses globally, as reported by Swiss Re.
The rising global temperatures and their accompanying extreme weather events are increasingly attributed to climate change, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions. China’s substantial contribution to global emissions places it at the forefront of climate discussions, particularly as the nation has committed to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. This commitment underscores the importance of immediate and concerted efforts to mitigate climate change impacts while managing the consequences of rising temperatures, such as natural disasters that increasingly affect both the environment and economies.
In conclusion, the record-breaking temperatures reported for 2024 highlight the ongoing climate crisis that demands urgent attention and action. With China experiencing its warmest year on record, and concurrent natural disasters affecting various global regions, it becomes essential for nations to adhere to their climate commitments to mitigate future impacts. The significant economic losses incurred due to extreme weather events further emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies targeting climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net