2024 Recorded As China’s Hottest Year Amid Rising Climate Challenges

The year 2024 was recorded as China’s hottest year, with an average temperature of 10.92°C, driven by climate change. This trend mirrors global patterns of extreme weather and has resulted in severe climate-related disasters in China and worldwide, contributing to substantial economic losses. China remains committed to addressing emissions, aiming to peak by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2060, despite facing numerous challenges with climate impacts.

According to the China Meteorological Administration, 2024 marked the warmest year on record for China, with a national average temperature of 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the longtime average by 1.03 degrees. This trend aligns with a global increase in extreme weather patterns attributed to climate change. The past four years comprise the four hottest years in China’s recorded history, and all ten warmest years since 1961 occurred in the 21st century.

China has reported several climate extremes this year, including its hottest month and autumn ever recorded, alongside devastating floods resulting in numerous casualties. These weather events were exacerbated by the effects of global warming, where warmer air and oceans lead to intensified storms and heavier rainfall. The UN anticipates that 2024 will be validated as the warmest year globally as well.

In line with its commitments to combat climate change, China has pledged to peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. However, despite these ambitions, the impacts of climate change have been severely felt domestically, with heavy floods resulting in fatalities and widespread dislocation of residents. Additionally, other regions globally have faced destructive weather patterns, contributing to considerable economic losses totaling $310 billion according to Swiss Re.

In recent years, climate change has led to significant shifts in weather patterns worldwide, marked by increased temperatures, extreme weather events, and unprecedented natural disasters. The scientific consensus indicates that the primary driver of global warming is the rise in greenhouse gases, driven predominantly by fossil fuel consumption. China, being the largest emitter globally, plays a crucial role in both the challenge and potential resolution of climate-related issues. The commitments made under the Paris Agreement aim to restrict global warming effects, though recent developments reveal the urgency for compliant actions to mitigate severe consequences. Natural disasters and climatic upheavals have resulted in economic ramifications and loss of life, showcasing the intertwined nature of environmental policy and public health. The urgency in addressing climate change is underscored by the increasing severity of these instances, impacting not only China but various countries around the world in differing but equally devastating ways.

The record warmth of 2024 in China illustrates the escalating impacts of climate change, as reflected in both local temperatures and extreme weather phenomena. While the country endeavors to fulfill its emission reduction commitments, the immediate consequences—ranging from economic losses to human casualties—underscore the critical nature of climate action. Global cooperation and adherence to agreements such as the Paris Accord will be essential for any substantive progress in combatting these urgent environmental crises.

Original Source: www.france24.com