In 2024, Turkey experienced its hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 15.6 degrees Celsius, an increase of 1.7 degrees from past averages. This trend is part of a global pattern of extreme temperatures, with significant rainfall deficits aggravating drought conditions. The situation calls attention to the urgent need for action against climate change impacts, as reported by various international organizations.
Turkey recorded its hottest year ever in 2024, marking a significant milestone in its climate history, according to the nation’s weather agency. The average temperature soared to 15.6 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 1.7 degrees higher than the average recorded from 1991 to 2020. This notable increase surpasses the previous record of 15.5 degrees set in 2010 and indicates a concerning trend of rising temperatures since 2007, with the exception of 2011.
The effects of climate change are evident not only in Turkey but globally, as numerous countries—including China, Brazil, Japan, and the United States—reported their hottest years on record in 2024. India, for instance, experienced the highest temperatures documented since 1901. In Turkey, alongside rising temperatures, there was also a notable reduction in rainfall, which decreased by 6.3 percent from typical amounts, with the Aegean coast experiencing a 22.4 percent decline. This rainfall deficit has aggravated drought conditions, contributing to the growing phenomenon of sinkholes in agricultural areas such as Konya, a key agricultural region in Turkey.
While the Turkish weather agency did not explicitly link these climatic changes to global warming, the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization previously indicated that 2024 was the hottest year on record worldwide, advocating for immediate action to avert a severe climate crisis. Additionally, Europe’s Copernicus climate monitoring service reported that global average temperatures have surpassed the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time in the last two years.
These developments underline the urgent need for collective action to address climate change and its repercussions, as evidenced by Turkey’s alarming changes in climate conditions and the broader implications for the planet.
The article discusses the unprecedented increase in temperatures experienced by Turkey in 2024, underscoring the broader global trend of rising temperatures attributed to climate change. As countries around the world report record-high temperatures, it reveals a concerning pattern where extreme weather conditions are impacting various regions, including significant drought and water scarcity in Turkey. This situation poses serious environmental challenges, particularly in agriculture and water management, notably observed through phenomena like sinkhole formation.
In conclusion, 2024 has emerged as a pivotal year in Turkey’s climate narrative, marking the highest recorded temperatures since records began. This phenomenon reflects a larger global trend exacerbated by climate change, entailing both immediate and long-term impacts on environmental stability and public health. Recognizing the urgency highlighted by international climate authorities, it is essential for nations to adopt proactive measures to mitigate these adverse effects and work towards sustainable solutions.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
