BEIJING: China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which scientists attribute to driving climate change and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This summer, heatwaves have scorched parts of northern China, while torrential rains have led to floods and landslides in central and southern regions.
According to the National Weather Office, last month was “the hottest July since complete observations began in 1961, and the hottest single month in recorded history.” The average air temperature in China for July was 23.21 degrees Celsius (73.78 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 23.17C (73.71F) set in 2017. Every province experienced higher-than-average temperatures, with the southwestern provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan recording their highest-ever averages.
The weather office forecasted that temperatures would continue to rise in eastern regions this week, including Shanghai, where a red alert for extreme heat was issued on Thursday. “Next week will be more of the same. It’s like being on an iron plate,” wrote one user on the Weibo social media platform in response to the city’s heat warning. Another quipped, “It’s so hot. Did Shanghai do something to anger the gods?”
The nearby city of Hangzhou may reach 43C (109F) on Saturday, potentially breaking its all-time record. The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are expected to see daily temperatures remain above 30C (86F), prompting authorities to advise people to continue efforts to avoid the heat and stay cool.
This extreme summer weather coincides with Earth experiencing its warmest day in recorded history just over a week ago. Preliminary data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service indicated that the daily global average temperature reached 17.15C (62.9F) on July 22, 0.06C hotter than the previous day, which had already set a new all-time high.
China has committed to peaking its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2060. Despite its historical reliance on coal power, China has recently become a leader in renewable energy. Research last month revealed that China is building almost twice as much wind and solar energy capacity as all other countries combined.
However, extreme weather has led to deadly natural disasters across China in recent weeks. The heavy rains were remnants of Typhoon Gaemi, which made landfall in eastern China last week.
On Sunday, a landslide in Hunan destroyed a guesthouse, resulting in the deaths of 15 people. Additionally, nearly 4,000 residents were evacuated after a dam breach occurred in another area of the province.
