In 2024, Japan recorded its highest temperatures since 1898, increasing by 1.48 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average. Climate change impacts are evident with record heat waves, prolonged warm seasons, and severe weather events leading to fatalities. Japan’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels poses challenges in meeting emissions reduction goals set for 2030 and in striving for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Japan’s meteorological agency announced on Monday that 2024 marked the hottest year on record, consistent with global trends attributed to escalating greenhouse gas emissions. The average temperature across Japan for the year rose by 1.48 degrees Celsius compared to the 1991-2020 average, the highest since data collection began in 1898. This increase reflects a continuing pattern of rising temperatures observed since the 1990s, with significant climatic events impacting the nation, including record heat in summer and prolonged warm conditions in autumn.
Furthermore, the absence of snow on Mount Fuji for an unprecedented duration and severe weather events such as floods and landslides, which resulted in fatalities, also underscored the seriousness of climate change impacts in the region. While Japan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce emissions significantly by 2030, its reliance on fossil fuels remains a concern, with nearly 70 percent of its energy derived from such sources as of 2023.
This unprecedented rise in temperatures aligns with predictions from the UN’s weather and climate agency, indicating that 2024 is on track to be the warmest year globally, amidst a decade characterized by extreme weather phenomena. The ongoing changes in temperature patterns highlight the urgency for effective climate action to mitigate further detrimental effects.
The report from Japan’s meteorological agency illustrates a concerning trend in climate change and its impact on global temperatures. As severe weather events become more frequent, the role of greenhouse gas emissions in driving temperature increases has become a focal point. Japan’s historical temperature data indicate a long-term escalation in thermal averages since the late 20th century, coinciding with a broader context of global warming impacting various nations, including the alarming record heat experienced by several countries in 2024.
In conclusion, Japan’s experience of 2024 as the hottest year on record serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. With rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns affecting both the environment and human safety, the commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing renewable energy would be critical steps. The situation underscores the necessity for collaborative global efforts to combat climate crisis effectively.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
