The year 2024 has been recorded as the hottest year in Turkey’s history, with an average temperature of 15.6 degrees Celsius, exceeding previous records. This pattern is part of a global trend of rising temperatures, as several other nations also reported their hottest years. The country has also experienced significant drought conditions, leading to severe agricultural challenges and environmental concerns regarding groundwater depletion and sinkhole formation.
In a recent announcement, Turkey’s meteorological agency reported that 2024 has set a new record as the hottest year in the nation since the commencement of temperature recordings 53 years ago. The average temperature was recorded at 15.6 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 15.5 degrees set in 2010. The agency highlighted that Turkey has experienced above-average temperatures annually since 2007, marking 2024 with a significant increase of 1.7 degrees Celsius compared to the average from 1991 to 2020.
This temperature spike correlates with a global trend of extreme heat, as numerous countries, including China, Brazil, Japan, and the United States, reported unprecedented high temperatures this year. India also indicated that it recorded its highest temperatures since 1901. Accompanying these temperature increases, Turkey experienced a rainfall deficiency of 6.3 percent, particularly severe along the Aegean coast, where the deficiency reached 22.4 percent. This drought, compounded by the over-extraction of groundwater, has resulted in numerous sinkholes emerging in central agricultural regions like Konya.
While the Turkish weather agency refrained from making explicit references to climate change, the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization has underscored 2024 as the hottest year globally, calling for urgent actions to avert further deterioration. Additionally, Europe’s Copernicus climate monitoring service reported that global temperatures exceeded a significant warming threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time over the past two years, emphasizing the need for immediate global response to climate issues.
Turkey’s increasing temperatures reflect a broader trend of climate change affecting various regions globally. Climate data indicate that average temperatures have been consistently rising since 2007, leading the Turkish government to recognize the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures regarding environmental changes. The connection between rising temperatures and reduced precipitation is evident, particularly affecting agricultural sectors and water resources. The events in Turkey are part of a worrying pattern as other countries face similar extremes, calling attention to a worldwide climate crisis that necessitates collective action.
The confirmation that 2024 was the hottest year on record for Turkey illustrates the severe impact of climate change, not only locally but also globally. Turkey’s experience reflects a concerning trend of increasing temperatures, diminishing rainfall, and escalating drought conditions that threaten agriculture and water supply. The situation reinforces the urgent call for global collaboration to address climate challenges, as underscored by both local and international agencies. Immediate intervention is deemed critical to counteract the adverse effects of climate change being observed worldwide.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
