South Korea has reported its hottest April since comprehensive records began in 1973, signaling a worrying trend amid global climate concerns. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced that the average national temperature in April 2024 reached 14.9 degrees Celsius (58.8 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 14.7 degrees set in 1998. This new record marks a significant increase from the long-term April average of 12.1 degrees Celsius observed between 1991 and 2020. The average daily high temperature also climbed to an unprecedented 21.1 degrees Celsius, reflecting a 2.5-degree rise compared to historical averages. On April 14, parts of the greater Seoul area and Gangwon province experienced temperatures soaring to nearly 30 degrees Celsius, levels typically not seen until the peak of summer. Such early and intense heat has raised concerns among scientists and policymakers about the accelerating impacts of climate change. Regional Heatwaves Reflect a Global Pattern The record-breaking temperatures in South Korea are part of a broader pattern affecting Asia. According to the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization, Asia is warming faster than the global average. Recent heatwaves have gripped large areas of South and Southeast Asia, shattering temperature records from Myanmar to the Philippines. Meteorologists attribute these extreme conditions partly to the El Niño phenomenon, which is known to cause warmer temperatures across the region. The combination of natural climate variability and human-induced climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Calls for Global Action Intensify The unprecedented heat underscores the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change. In February, climate leaders emphasized the necessity of mobilizing trillions of dollars to drive the green transition and address global warming effectively. There is growing pressure on international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to reform their lending practices to support the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. As nations grapple with these challenges, the experiences of countries like South Korea highlight the tangible impacts of climate change on daily life and the importance of swift, coordinated action.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
