usa.chinadaily.com.cn
China Records Warmest Year on Record in 2024
In 2024, China recorded its warmest year since 1961, with an average temperature of 10.92°C, exceeding the historical average by 1.03°C; this is consistent with global warming trends, with 2024 being declared the warmest year globally by the WMO.
- What is the significance of China recording its warmest year on record in 2024?
- China's average temperature in 2024 was 10.92°C, 1.03°C above the historical average since 1961, making it the warmest year on record. Twenty-two of China's provinces and regions experienced their warmest year ever in 2024.
- How do the warming trends in China compare to global trends, and what evidence supports this comparison?
- The four warmest years in China's recorded history all occurred in the past four years (2021-2024), highlighting a rapid warming trend. This trend is consistent with global warming patterns, as evidenced by the World Meteorological Organization declaring 2024 the warmest year globally.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of sustained high temperatures in China, and how might these impacts influence future policy decisions?
- China's unusually warm start to 2025, with temperatures in southern regions exceeding 15°C in January, suggests the warming trend will continue. This sustained warming will likely lead to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the coming years.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the severity of China's temperature increase by highlighting the record-breaking temperatures and the consistent upward trend over the past two decades. The use of phrases like "unprecedented heat" and "deadly heat" (quoting the UN Secretary-General) contributes to a sense of alarm and urgency. While accurate, this framing might be perceived as overly alarming by some without providing mitigating factors or alternative interpretations.
Language Bias
The language used is largely factual and neutral. However, terms like "deadly heat" (from an external source) could be considered emotionally charged and not strictly objective, though it accurately reflects the UN's statement. The repeated emphasis on record highs could subtly influence readers towards a more concerned interpretation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on China's temperature increase but lacks global context for comparison. While it mentions the World Meteorological Organization's announcement that 2024 was the warmest year globally, it doesn't provide data to compare China's temperature rise to other countries or regions. This omission prevents a complete understanding of China's warming trend in relation to the broader global phenomenon.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports that 2024 was the warmest year on record in China, exceeding the historical average by 1.03°C. This extreme temperature increase is directly attributed to global warming and human activities, showcasing a significant negative impact on climate action goals. The consistently high temperatures over the past four years and the trend of exceeding the 1991-2020 climate baseline demonstrate a clear failure to mitigate climate change effectively.