China experienced its hottest autumn since the beginning of climate records in 1961, according to the National Climate Center. Between September and November 2024, the national average temperature reached 11.8°C, exceeding the long-term average of 10.3°C. This data, announced on the Chinese platform WeChat, highlights a 1.5°C increase over historical levels.
This situation reflects the growing impacts of climate change, to which the Asian giant— the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases—contributes significantly. In 2023, the country produced 12.6 gigatons of CO2, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Scientists attribute this trend to global warming, which is causing a rise in extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, and floods.
A Global Rise in Temperatures
China is not alone in facing these changes. Japan also reported experiencing its hottest autumn on record, a global trend confirmed by the European Copernicus program. The latter estimates that 2024 is “almost certainly” the hottest year ever recorded, with a 1.55°C increase compared to the pre-industrial era.
Regional Impacts Amplified
The warming has affected Chinese regions differently. In the Jiangxi and Hubei provinces, as well as in Xinjiang, autumn temperatures increased by 4 to 6°C. Similarly, records were set in 16 provinces and regions, including Liaoning, Tianjin, and Chongqing.
In the city of Guangzhou, average temperatures exceeded 22°C for 240 days, setting a new record surpassing the 234 days set in 1994. These figures reflect the effect of urban heat islands, exacerbated by the country’s rapid urbanization and industrialization.
Alarming Testimonials from Residents
Residents are directly feeling these changes. “This year has indeed been much warmer than last year, and winter is also milder,” said a resident of Shandong province on the social network Weibo.
Another user added: “Around this time last year, I remember it was almost snowing. The temperature had dropped to -4 or -5 degrees. But now it’s +8 degrees.” These personal impressions, shared online, corroborate official data and underscore growing awareness among the population.
Political and Economic Responses Underway
Aware of the stakes, China recently passed a new energy law to promote carbon neutrality. Beijing has pledged to peak its CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To this end, the country continues to invest in renewable energy, despite the scale of the challenges posed by accelerating climate change.
