China saw hottest recorded year in 2023

SHANGHAI: China´s average temperature in 2023 was its hottest since records began, state media said citing officials on Tuesday, capping a year of extreme weather events for the world´s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

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 (51.3 degrees Fahrenheit), 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 is the world´s biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, such as carbon dioxide.