In 2024, China recorded its highest average temperature since 1961 at 10.92°C, highlighting a disturbing trend of increasing global temperatures. The year saw devastating weather events, including floods that resulted in fatalities and economic losses, underscoring the urgent need for action on climate change. China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2060 amidst escalating climate crises worldwide.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, 2024 marked China’s hottest year on record, with the average national temperature reaching 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the historical average by 1.03 degrees. This signifies a continuous trend of escalating temperatures, as the previous four years have also ranked among the warmest ever recorded. Moreover, July 2024 registered as the hottest month, complemented by notably warm conditions in August and autumn. The implications of these temperature increases are profound, contributing to extreme weather events globally, including unprecedented storms and devastating floods.
The current climate crisis is largely attributed to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, with China being the foremost emitter. In response, Beijing has committed to peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. The alarming weather patterns are not solely characterized by elevated temperatures; they also entail heightened atmospheric moisture, which precipitates extreme rainfall and storm activity. The resultant impact of these climatic shifts has significant repercussions for the populace and economy, manifesting in destructive floods and agricultural losses.
In 2024, China experienced tragic outcomes from these extreme weather conditions, including deadly floods that resulted in multiple fatalities. This included an incident in May where a highway collapse led to the loss of 48 lives, amid widespread evacuations across the region. Reports indicated that residents in southern cities, such as Guangzhou, endured an extended summer with record-high temperatures exceeding 22 degrees Celsius for 240 days. Meanwhile, regions such as Sichuan and Chongqing faced severe heat and drought conditions.
The global context reveals that 2024 is poised to become the warmest year recorded worldwide. Contributing to this are severe weather occurrences documented in Spain, Kenya, and the United States, among others, leading to an estimated economic loss of $310 billion due to natural disasters. The urgency of addressing climate change has been underscored by international accords aimed at limiting temperature rises, with current measurements indicating a troubling 1.54 degrees Celsius increase over pre-industrial levels.
The article addresses the pressing issue of climate change, highlighting the record-breaking temperatures experienced in China during 2024. It contextualizes the significance of China’s emissions in the global landscape, noting that the country is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. As climate scientists have indicated, the increase in average temperatures is linked to catastrophic weather events worldwide. The United Nations and other bodies have emphasized the importance of international efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, to mitigate rising temperatures and their attendant impacts.
In conclusion, the data reveals alarming trends in global and national temperature increases, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. China’s record warmth in 2024 exemplifies the broader implications of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant effects on both human life and economic stability. The interconnectedness of rising temperatures and extreme weather events reinforces the necessity for immediate international collaboration to meet climate targets and mitigate future risks.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
