2024 has been officially declared the hottest year in China’s history, with the national average temperature reaching 10.92°C (51.66°F), according to the China Meteorological Administration. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking heat in the country. The year witnessed the hottest month, July, along with the warmest August and autumn season on record. Global temperature records were also shattered, with the United Nations confirming that 2024 was set to be the hottest year ever recorded worldwide.

China, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has committed to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The rising temperatures in the country have had significant impacts, including deadly flooding and extreme heatwaves. Last year, floods caused widespread destruction, especially in southern regions, and the country experienced its longest summer on record in Guangzhou, with temperatures above 22°C for 240 days.

Similar temperature extremes were seen worldwide, with India, Australia, Germany, and the Czech Republic also recording their hottest years in history. The heat not only fuels global warming but also intensifies storms, flooding, droughts, and wildfires, as warmer air holds more moisture and ocean temperatures increase evaporation.

As a result of these extreme weather events, natural disasters caused significant economic losses, totaling $310 billion in 2024. Despite these challenges, some citizens, like Xue Weiya from Beijing, believe the Chinese government’s environmental measures will mitigate the long-term effects of the changing climate. However, the ongoing climate crisis highlights the urgent need for global action to address the rising temperatures and its devastating consequences.

The 2015 Paris climate agreement calls for global leaders to limit temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and strive for a 1.5°C limit. As 2024 has surpassed these thresholds, there is increased pressure on nations to meet their climate commitments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.