China has officially recorded its hottest year since reliable records began in 1961, with an average national temperature of 10.92°C (51.66°F) in 2024—an increase of 1.03°C from the previous year. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) noted that the top four hottest years have all occurred in the past four years, underscoring a troubling trend.
Shanghai, China’s financial hub, also experienced its warmest year since 1873, with an average temperature of 18.8°C (65.8°F). This milestone follows a series of record-breaking events, including China’s hottest month (July) and warmest autumn ever.
Rising temperatures have brought extreme weather in their wake. In 2024, stronger storms and intense rainfall led to devastating floods across the country, displacing thousands and claiming dozens of lives. Guangzhou endured its longest summer on record, with temperatures staying above 22°C (71.6°F) for 240 days.
The agricultural sector has felt the heat, with rice-growing regions hit by drought and potato yields dropping by over 50% in experimental heat scenarios. Meanwhile, surging energy demand strained power grids, highlighting vulnerabilities in infrastructure.
Globally, 2024 was the warmest year on record, reflecting the accelerating impact of climate change driven by human activities. While China has pledged carbon neutrality by 2060, the challenges of mitigating climate impacts and building resilience remain immense.
With extreme weather becoming the norm, the nation faces mounting pressure to balance growth with urgent climate action in an increasingly warming world.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE