2024 was recorded as the hottest year in China since 1961, with average temperatures 1.03 degrees Celsius above average. The findings reflect a concerning trend of rising temperatures attributed to climate change, which has also resulted in severe weather events globally, causing significant economic losses and fatalities. The urgent need for action against climate change is emphasized by the severe consequences observed in various regions.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, 2024 marked the hottest year recorded in China since comprehensive records began in 1961. The average national temperature reached 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), representing a significant increase of 1.03 degrees compared to the historical average. Alarmingly, the past four years have constituted the top four warmest years on record, underscoring the prevailing trend of escalating temperatures.
This year, China experienced unprecedented heat, having measured its hottest month, August, and warmest autumn on record. Compounding the effects of climate change, the global landscape has similarly witnessed various extreme weather events, with the United Nations indicating that 2024 could be the warmest year globally. The exacerbation of natural disasters has driven dramatically higher costs and fatalities, illustrated by the economic toll of approximately $310 billion from such events in 2024, as reported by Swiss Re.
The increase in global temperatures is primarily attributed to human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, which has led to heightened levels of greenhouse gases. As warmer air accommodates more water vapor and oceans become increasingly warm, the likelihood of severe storms and downpours escalates. Within China, these climatic shifts resulted in catastrophic floods, including an incident in May where a highway collapse in southern China resulted in 48 tragic fatalities.
Additionally, regions such as Sichuan and Chongqing suffered from extreme drought conditions earlier this autumn. The trend is not confined to China; globally, flooding in Spain, violent storms across the United States and the Philippines, as well as severe drought and wildfires in South America were reported. This pattern of extreme weather underscores the urgent need for global action against climate change and adherence to the limits set by the Paris climate accords, which aim to restrict global warming significantly.
The phenomenon of climate change is largely induced by increased greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from fossil fuel consumption. As the world’s leading emitter of such gases, China plays a pivotal role in global temperature trends. The commitment made by its government to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2060 reflects acknowledgment of the urgent crisis posed by climate change. The focus has shifted to the repercussions of rising temperatures, such as extreme weather events and their devastating economic and human costs, which are becoming increasingly visible both locally and globally.
In conclusion, the record-breaking temperatures in China during 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the severe impacts of climate change. The rising average temperatures and the occurrence of extreme weather events indicate a growing trend that requires immediate global attention and coordinated action. The financial and human toll of such disasters necessitates a re-evaluation of current policies and a commitment to sustainable practices in order to mitigate future risks.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
