Global Temperatures Soar: South Korea Faces Its Hottest Year Yet   

• Global temperatures reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with Earth’s surface temperature from January to November 0.72 degrees Celsius higher than the 30-year average. Experts predict the year will become the hottest on record, surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius climate threshold. South Korea, too, experienced its hottest year in history, with an average annual temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius, breaking the 14 degrees Celsius barrier for the first time. It represents an increase of 0.8 degrees from 2023’s record and 2 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. Notably, 2024 marked the first year with every single month experiencing temperatures above normal levels. The extreme heat reshaped South Korea’s seasonal patterns, with September temperatures averaging 24.7 degrees Celsius, effectively erasing the autumnal feel. Torrential rains, 34 consecutive tropical nights in Seoul, and unseasonal November snow further highlighted the severe impacts of climate change. Elevated sea temperatures around the peninsula amplified humidity, intensified storms, and contributed to record-breaking rainfall during the monsoon season. Governments, industries, and individuals must prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices. Without decisive action, extreme weather events and rising temperatures will become the norm, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide. J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1737615598/1613367801