The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that 2024 is the hottest year on record for Japan, with temperatures 1.48°C above the 1991-2020 average. This increase is part of a global trend linked to rising greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change has resulted in extreme weather conditions, including significant flooding and landslides. Japan’s government aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and plans to increase renewable energy in its energy mix significantly.
On January 6, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that 2024 has emerged as the hottest year on record in Japan since data collection commenced in 1898. The average temperature across the nation was reported to be 1.48 degrees Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 average, surpassing the previous year’s record of 1.29 degrees Celsius. This alarming trend aligns with global climate patterns as reported by the United Nations, which noted that 2024 is expected to be the warmest year globally, supporting the evidence of accelerating climate change influenced by rising greenhouse gas emissions.
The JMA highlighted that Japan’s long-term temperature is escalating at a rate of 1.40 degrees Celsius per century, particularly noticeable since the 1990s. Mr. Kaoru Takahashi, a JMA official overseeing weather information, attributed these rising temperatures to climate change and indicated that shifting westerly winds are bringing warmer air to the region. Notably, both the summer and autumn of 2024 set records for heat, and for the first time, Mount Fuji recorded no snow until early November, much later than the typical early October appearance.
Furthermore, climate change has intensified the likelihood of severe weather events in Japan, as witnessed by the floods and landslides in September that resulted in 16 fatalities in the Noto Peninsula, a region already impacted by a major earthquake. In November, extensive rains forced evacuations for hundreds of thousands. Other nations, including India, Germany, and Brazil, also reported record-breaking temperatures this year.
The World Meteorological Organization reported that global greenhouse gas emissions reached unprecedented levels, further exacerbating climate change. Japan’s energy policies have drawn criticism, as fossil fuels made up nearly 70 percent of its power generation in 2023. In response, the Japanese government has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims to reduce emissions by 46 percent by 2030 relative to 2013 levels. Plans have also been unveiled to increase renewable energy’s share of electricity generation to 40-50 percent by 2040, a significant rise from 23 percent in 2023.
The ongoing climate crisis remains a pressing global issue, with various countries experiencing unprecedented climatic extremes. Japan’s recent weather patterns are indicative of a broader trend of rising temperatures and shifting climatic conditions worldwide, largely driven by human-induced climate change. The increasing average temperatures and extreme weather events underscore the urgent need for nations to address greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards more sustainable energy practices. Japan, one of the largest economies in the world, has faced scrutiny for its reliance on fossil fuels, prompting the government’s commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing the use of renewable energy to mitigate further climate impacts.
In summary, Japan’s declaration of 2024 as its hottest year on record reflects the severe effects of climate change, characterized by elevated temperatures and extreme weather occurrences. As global emissions continue to rise, Japan and other countries must prioritize sustainability initiatives and shift towards cleaner energy sources to combat the increasing threats posed by climate change. The commitments made by the Japanese government represent a critical step in addressing these pressing environmental challenges and aligning with global climate action goals.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
