China’s average temperature in 2023 will be the hottest since records began, capping an annual record for extreme weather in the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, state media reported on Tuesday, citing officials. .
The record temperatures were part of a series of unprecedented extreme events across the world last year, including heatwaves, droughts and wildfires that scientists say are being exacerbated by climate change. .
China’s national average temperature last year was 10.7 degrees Celsius (51.3 degrees Fahrenheit), higher than the highest temperature recorded in 2021 of 10.5 degrees Celsius, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing the Beijing National Climate Center.
“Temperatures were 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius warmer in most parts of the country,” the article said.
It added that 127 national weather stations across China broke records for daily maximum temperatures throughout the year.
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In Beijing, temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius or higher were recorded for 27 consecutive days in July, breaking a record for the first time in 23 years.
Records continued to be set as the year progressed, especially in the capital, where late October was the hottest on record.
Experts have warned that global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions will increase the likelihood of extreme weather events.
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China is the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
A recent surge in approvals for coal-fired power plants raises concerns that China could peak emissions between 2026 and 2030, setting back its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. is increasing.
A study published last month found that the country’s air pollution will worsen in 2023, the first time in a decade.
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China has accelerated its use of renewable energy in recent years, becoming the world’s largest producer of wind and solar energy.
The United Nations Environment Program said in November that China was “likely” to meet its climate change commitments, citing the government’s speedy implementation.
The report notes that more than half of all installed power generation capacity currently comes from non-fossil fuel sources, ahead of the 2025 target, and that proportion is projected to continue to increase. did.
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But as demand continues to rise, UNEP warned that energy security concerns are driving the continued expansion of coal-fired power generation and even leading to overcapacity.
In addition to record-breaking heat waves, 2023 also brought devastating floods across northern China.
And in winter, a prolonged cold snap forced authorities to issue warnings for vast swathes of the country, with several places recording their lowest December temperatures.
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