A Cause for Concern

China's average temperature in 2024 reached 10.92°C, making it the warmest year on record since 1961. This warming trend is primarily attributed to global warming, which has led to rising sea levels, glacier melt, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

The El Niño phenomenon, characterized by unusually warm water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has also contributed to China's rising temperatures. The El Niño event that began in May 2023 continued to influence China in 2024, contributing to its above-average temperatures.

The consequences of rising temperatures are significant and widespread. A 1°C increase in average temperature could lead to a 2.3-meter rise in sea level, threatening coastal ecosystems. It could also affect the genetic diversity of wild crop species, increase the prevalence of pests, and even lead to the extinction of some species.

Rising temperatures also impact human activities, particularly agricultural production. While some regions may see a temporary increase in crop yields due to warmer temperatures, long-term agricultural production is likely to face greater fluctuations and potential declines. Uneven precipitation patterns caused by global warming could lead to decreased rainfall in some areas, resulting in water shortages.

The year 2025 has also begun with warmer-than-average temperatures. A cold front was forecast for the whole country from January 2nd, but due to its weak intensity, most areas will experience above-average temperatures until January 12th.

Extreme heat events in China are projected to increase in frequency, duration, and impact. Under high emission scenarios, an extreme heat event that currently occurs once in 50 years could occur every one or two years by the end of the 21st century.

To mitigate the risks associated with rising temperatures, it is crucial to develop early-warning systems for climate risks, conduct detailed assessments of the impacts of extreme weather events, and enhance societal resilience to climate change.