In 2024, China recorded its hottest year on record, with an average temperature of 10.92°C, exacerbating extreme weather conditions. The nation faced severe flooding and heatwaves, contributing to significant economic losses. These trends reflect urgent climate change challenges and the necessity for global commitments to reduce emissions.
In 2024, China experienced its warmest year on record, as reported by the China Meteorological Administration. The national average temperature reached 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record by 1.03 degrees. The data indicates that the last four years have comprised the hottest years recorded, with all ten of the highest temperature years since 1961 occurring in the 21st century. Calamitous weather events, including unprecedented heatwaves and extreme flooding, have been attributed to climate change fueled by greenhouse gas emissions, for which China is the leading emitter.
The upward trend in global temperatures and extreme weather conditions is a pressing crisis confronting the entire world, primarily as a result of climate change. The overwhelming consensus among scientists is that the emissions from fossil fuels significantly augment the greenhouse gases responsible for warming our planet. China, while committing to reduce its emissions by pledging to peak carbon dioxide outputs by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, has been grappling with more frequent and severe natural disasters linked to rising temperatures.
The record high temperatures and extreme weather events in China in 2024 underscore the urgent need for global action to combat climate change. With the phenomenon affecting millions of lives and resulting in billions in economic losses, it is imperative that nations adhere to climate commitments made under the Paris Agreement. The alarming trends observed will require concerted efforts to mitigate the impacts of global warming and protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
