World Weather in 2020

World Weather in 2020

Sham Fu-cheung

2020 was one of the three warmest years on record
Source: Met Office / WMO

According to World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2020 was one of the three warmest years on record. Extreme high temperatures were recorded in many parts of the world, and there was the hottest northern hemisphere summer since records began. The minimum extent of Arctic sea ice was recorded in July and October. Forest fires caused and exacerbated by high temperatures and droughts raged in Australia, Siberia, the western United States and South America. Severe flooding caused by extreme rainfall affected Africa, Southern Asia, China and Vietnam. In addition, the number of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic was twice that the climatological normal.

Extreme weather is becoming more and more frequent as global warming proceeds, and the situation is alarming. We must act immediately to combat climate change. At the individual level, we should proactively live a green life, and strive to save energy and reduce carbon emissions.