2024 Marks Record Heat for China Amidst Escalating Global Climate Crisis

In 2024, China recorded its highest national temperature at 10.92 degrees Celsius, marking a trend of increasing warmth that has resulted in severe weather phenomena and economic losses globally. The country has faced unprecedented flooding and droughts, contributing to a broader picture of climatic instability experienced worldwide this year, as natural disasters have led to substantial economic damage.

In 2024, China experienced its highest recorded national average temperature, reaching 10.92 degrees Celsius, which is 1.03 degrees above the historical average since systematic recording began in 1961. This alarming rise is part of a global pattern of climate extremes attributed to climate change. The China Meteorological Administration has noted that the warmest years on record have all occurred in the last four years. Following this trend, China has also registered unprecedented temperatures in July, August, and throughout the autumn, igniting concerns about the associated risks of severe weather events.

The ramifications of this extreme heat have been catastrophic, with many regions of China suffering from destructive flooding and long-term droughts. Significant events included a highway collapse in May after torrential rains led to the deaths of 48 individuals. Urban areas, such as Guangzhou, reported an exceptionally prolonged summer, seeing over 240 days with temperatures exceeding 22 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, regions like Sichuan and Chongqing faced severe drought conditions in early autumn, highlighting the varied impacts of rising temperatures across the country.

Globally, 2024 has been characterized by severe weather phenomena, including deadly floods in Spain and Kenya, as well as devastating storms in the United States and the Philippines, along with droughts and wildfires across South America. Preliminary estimates suggest that natural disasters yielded economic losses exceeding $310 billion this year. The United Nations has issued warnings that 2024 is poised to be recognized as the warmest year globally, emphasizing the urgent need for action against climate change to meet the goals set in the Paris Climate Agreement.

Climate change, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels, has led to a significant rise in global temperatures, resulting in increasingly frequent and severe weather events. As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The rising temperatures have profound implications not only for environmental stability but also for the economic and social fabric of affected countries. Understanding these global warming trends, and the resultant weather phenomena, is crucial to grasping the challenges posed by our changing climate.

The record-high temperatures in China for 2024 signify a pressing indicator of the escalating impacts of climate change globally. The disastrous weather events that have unfolded, resulting in loss of life and significant economic repercussions, underscore the urgency of addressing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate-related disasters. As countries strive to adhere to international agreements to limit global temperature increases, the continued warming trend exemplifies the critical need for collaborative action to confront this global threat effectively.

Original Source: www.france24.com