China saw hottest recorded year in 2023
China's average temperature in 2023 was its hottest since records began, state media said, capping a year of extreme weather events for the nation. The record-setting temperatures were part of an unprecedented series of extreme events last year around the world – 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, exceeding a record of 10.5C set in 2021, state broadcaster CCTV said, citing Beijing's National Climate Centre. "The temperature across most of the country was higher by 0.5C-1C," the article read. Across China, 127 national weather stations broke records for daily high temperatures over the course of the year, it added. Beijing smashed a 23-year-old record in July, with 27 consecutive days of temperatures above 35C. Records continued as the year progressed, with the capital logging its hottest ever late October day, among others. Experts warn that global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions makes extreme weather more likely. China has turbocharged its use of renewables in recent years, becoming the world's top producer of wind and solar energy. The United Nations Environment Programme said in November that China was "likely" to meet its climate commitments, citing rapid implementation by the government. But demand continues to increase, and energy security concerns have helped drive continued expansion and even overcapacity of coal-fired power, UNEP warned. As well as the record-smashing heat, 2023 also saw devastating floods across China's north. And in the winter, a persistent cold snap forced authorities to issue alerts across a vast area of the country, with all-time December temperature lows being recorded in multiple places. (AFP)