China’s latest climate report reveals that the nation has experienced unprecedented heat and rising sea levels, signaling urgent environmental challenges for the country and the world.
Released on Friday, the Blue Book on Climate Change in China 2023 highlights alarming trends in climate change and extreme weather events. According to the report, China’s annual average temperature reached its highest since records began in 1901, surpassing previous records by a significant margin.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The report indicates that the average temperature across China was 1.0 degree Celsius above normal levels, exceeding the global average warming rate of 0.31 degrees Celsius per decade since 1961.
Extreme weather and climate events in China are becoming more frequent and intense, with the climate risk index showing an upward trend, said Xiao Chan, deputy director of the National Climate Center, during a press briefing in Beijing.
Rising Sea Levels and Climate Risks
China’s coastal sea levels have also reached record highs, posing significant risks to coastal ecosystems and communities. The climate risk index, which measures the impact of extreme weather events, hit its highest level since 1961, with flooding and high temperatures being particularly severe.
Global Ocean Warming
The report notes that global ocean warming has accelerated, with sea surface temperatures and ocean heat content reaching new peaks. The global average sea surface temperature was 0.39 degrees Celsius above normal, the highest since records began in 1870.
Impact on Ecosystems
The warming trend is affecting China’s ecosystems, with plants showing earlier spring growth phases. These changes could disrupt local biodiversity and agricultural patterns.
About the Blue Book
The Blue Book on Climate Change in China is an annual report that provides comprehensive insights into climate trends in China and globally. It covers various aspects of the environment, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. Since its inception in 2011, the Blue Book has served as a crucial resource for understanding climate change impacts and informing response strategies.
