The year 2024 was the hottest recorded in China, according to authorities, against a backdrop of extreme weather phenomena which are increasing around the world with climate change.
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“In 2024, the national average temperature was 10.92 degrees Celsius, or 1.03 degrees higher over a year. This is the hottest year since 1961, when comprehensive observation records began,” the China Meteorological Administration said on its website on Wednesday evening.
“The four hottest years on record are the last four years. The 10 hottest years since 1961 have all occurred in the 21st century,” she said.
Climate change has triggered extreme weather and record heat in 2024, the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned on Monday.
In China, dozens of people were killed in floods in the country last year.
In 2024, deadly floods also devastated Spain and Kenya. Multiple storms hit the United States and the Philippines. Severe drought and wildfires also hit South America.
Extreme weather events claimed thousands of lives last year.
Economically, natural disasters have caused $310 billion in losses worldwide, according to an estimate from insurer group Swiss Re.
