Japan officially declared 2024 as its hottest year on record, with temperatures rising significantly due to climate change. The Japan Meteorological Agency indicated an average temperature increase of 1.48°C above historical averages. This year saw extreme weather patterns, including unprecedented rainfall, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and the transition to renewable energy.
On Monday, Japan’s weather agency announced that 2024 has been recorded as the hottest year since observational records began, reflecting a global trend driven by escalating greenhouse gas emissions and a changing climate. Data from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) indicated that the average temperature across Japan soared by 1.48 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average, the highest since data collection commenced in 1898. This increase surpassed the previous year’s record, which had been 1.29 degrees Celsius above normal temperatures.
The JMA reported that Japan’s average temperature has risen at a rate of 1.40 degrees Celsius per century, particularly accelerating since the 1990s. Kaoru Takahashi, a JMA official, emphasized the impact of climate change, explaining how westerly winds have shifted northward, drawing warmer air into the region. Additionally, last summer tied with 2023 as the hottest on record, and autumn was the warmest since records began.
Moreover, the iconic Mount Fuji recorded its longest period without snow, only appearing in early November rather than the usual early October. The phenomenon of climate change is linked to increasing rainfall intensity; warmer air holds more moisture, thereby raising the risk of extreme weather events. For instance, in September, floods and landslides in the Noto Peninsula resulted in 16 fatalities while heavy rains in November led to mass evacuations.
Other nations, including India, China, Brazil, and Germany, also reported record high temperatures in 2024. The surge in greenhouse gas emissions has reached alarming levels, further contributing to global warming. Japan’s energy mix remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which constituted nearly 70 percent of its energy production in 2023. Despite aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing emissions by 46 percent by 2030, Japan still faces significant challenges in achieving these goals. Plans announced in December proposed increasing renewable energy’s share of electricity to 40-50 percent by 2040, up from approximately 23 percent in 2023.
The announcement from Japan’s weather agency aligns with broader trends observed globally regarding climate change and extreme weather. Rising greenhouse gas emissions are a key driver of these changes, resulting in record temperatures and unusual weather patterns. The impact of climate change manifests not only in rising temperatures but also in increasing incidences of heavy rainfall and natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for effective climate action. Japan’s commitment to future renewable energy targets is an indicator of its response to the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
In summary, 2024 has marked a significant milestone in climate history as Japan records its hottest year to date. The combination of rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the harsh realities of a fossil-fuel-dependent energy mix emphasizes the seriousness of climate change. While Japan is taking steps toward climate goals, the country must navigate significant challenges to achieve sustainable energy transition and reduce greenhouse emissions effectively. The global community must also heed these warnings as similar patterns emerge worldwide.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
