China experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, according to the country’s weather agency, as the world struggles with the growing impact of extreme weather driven by climate change.
The China Meteorological Administration revealed that the average national temperature reached 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 Fahrenheit) last year.
This was 1.03 degrees higher than the historical average, making 2024 the warmest year since comprehensive records began in 1961.
“In the recently concluded year 2024, the average national temperature was 10.92 degrees Celsius (51.66 Fahrenheit), 1.03 degrees higher than average and the warmest year since the start of full records in 1961,” the agency noted in its statement.
China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2060. However, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events underline the urgent need for global action to tackle climate change.
The United Nations announced earlier this week that 2024 was likely to be the hottest year ever recorded globally. Across China, extreme weather events wreaked havoc, with floods causing dozens of deaths and forcing thousands to evacuate.
Globally, 2024 was marked by devastating natural disasters, including deadly flooding in Spain and Kenya, violent storms in the United States and the Philippines, and severe droughts and wildfires across South America.
These events resulted in economic losses estimated at $310 billion, according to Swiss Re, a Zurich-based insurance firm.
The alarming trend of rising temperatures and escalating disasters continues to underline the urgent need for governments and organisations worldwide to step up efforts in combating the climate crisis.
