As extreme heat engulfs the world, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning on Thursday, stating that the “era of global boiling has arrived.” July is on track to become the hottest month ever recorded, adding to the month-long heatwave experienced globally.
China, in particular, is grappling with concurrent climate disasters. While sizzling temperatures scorch the northern regions, the south braces for the impact of Typhoon Doksuri, affecting over 724,600 people. The pressing issue of extreme weather has prompted Chinese experts to urge certain countries to prioritize international cooperation and set aside political agendas to combat global warming effectively.
President Xi Jinping echoed concerns about climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate climate action to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. He stressed that climate change is a terrifying reality, and the world must unite to confront it.
Amid these climate challenges, the Universiade in Chengdu serves as a platform for promoting international cooperation and unity. President Xi attended the opening ceremony alongside foreign leaders, fostering discussions on pragmatic cooperation and the creation of a community with a shared future. However, some small cliques driven by a Cold War mentality pose challenges to this solidarity.
In Europe, Greece’s heatwave impacted aircraft performance, leading passengers on board Scoot flights to Singapore to fly without their baggage. In the US, over 170 million Americans are under heat alerts as a heatwave expands across various regions.
Typhoon Doksuri made landfall in China’s Fujian Province, causing disruption and economic losses. Chinese experts attribute the increased intensity of typhoons to global warming and rising ocean temperatures.
In China, high temperatures and low precipitation have resulted in rare heatwaves in the north, with some areas experiencing historical record-breaking temperatures. The country faces mounting pressure on electricity supplies due to the heatwaves.
China is actively pursuing its environmental goals, aiming for peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. The country is also seeking global cooperation in addressing climate change. Chinese envoy Xie Zhenhua held discussions with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, signaling renewed hope for global efforts on climate change.
Additionally, Xie met with the UAE ambassador to discuss climate cooperation and the upcoming COP28 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Despite positive steps in global cooperation, experts warn that the path forward requires setting aside political agendas and focusing on genuine collaboration. The resumption of negotiations between China and the US on climate change is seen as a glimmer of hope, but sustained efforts are necessary to combat the challenges posed by climate change effectively.